Protista

Dinoflagellates

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The dinoflagellates are single-cell, mostly marine, organisms with a weird and wonderful external appearance. The cells are biflagellate with one flagellum in an equatorial groove around the cell, and another starting at the same point and passing down a longitutindal groove before it extends into the surrounding water. Dinoflagellates are most typical of warm waters and can reproduce in staggering numbers. Some species produce a potent nerve toxin and when in large numbers (such as during a "red tide") can kill fish and other sealife. Contaminated shell fish are dangerous to humans. Some dinoflagellates are photoluminescent and if disturbed, the organism produces a series of bright flashes.

Algoa Bay Dinoflagellates. Although this site is about South African and deals with dinoflagellates of southern Africa, the collection of photographs will given you a flavor for the diversity of the dinoflagellates.

Introduction to the Dinoflagellata. University of California, Museum of Paleontology. Systematics, morphology, and biology of the dinoflagellates.

The Cell from Hell - Pfiesteria piscicida. Microscopy UK. An article about the dinoflagellate Pfiesteria that is currently attacking and killing fish in the mid-Atlantic United States.

Grass of the Sea. GEK, Inc. This commercial site (microscopes) has excellent non-technical introductions to diatoms and dinoflagellates.

The Harmful Algae Page. National Office for Marine Biotoxins and Harmful Algae Blooms. This site contains primarily information about the "Red Tide" and its harmful effects. You can find photographs of the species involved in "Red Tide" and a list of the toxins they produce. There is also information on the harmful ecological effects of algal blooms.