Gonyaulax
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| Gonyaulax | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Clade: | Diaphoretickes |
| Clade: | SAR |
| Clade: | Alveolata |
| Phylum: | Myzozoa |
| Superclass: | Dinoflagellata |
| Class: | Dinophyceae |
| Order: | Gonyaulacales |
| Family: | Gonyaulacaceae |
| Genus: | Gonyaulax Diesing, 1866 |
| Species | |
| |
Gonyaulax is a genus of dinoflagellates with the type species Gonyaulax spinifera (Claparède et Lachmann) Diesing. Gonyaulax belongs to red dinoflagellates and commonly causes red tides. It can produce yesotoxins: for example, strains of Gonyaulax spinifera from New Zealand are yessotoxin producers.[4]
The plate formula in the genus Gonyaulax Diesing was redefined as Po, 3', 2a, 6", 6c, 4-8s, 5'", 1p, 1"".[5]
Classification
All species are marine, except for one freshwater species, Gonyaulax apiculata.[5]
It previously included several species, which are now considered to belong to a separate genus, e.g.:[5]
- Gonyaulax tamarensis (now: Alexandrium tamarense)
- Gonyaulax grindleyi (now: Protoceratium reticulatum)
- Gonyaulax polyedra (now: Lingulodinium polyedra)
Adaptations
Gonyaulax dinoflagellates can produce resting cysts that belong to the cyst-defined genus Spiniferites and other genera [6]