Cryptomonas spp.
Algal Group: Cryptophytes (Cryptophyta)
Description
asymmetrical, oval-shaped cells; 15-40 µm; two flagella
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 99% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 100% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
very common throughout Florida, but seldom found as major bloom-former
Lyngbya spp.
Algal Group: Cyanobacteria or Blue-Green Algae (Cyanophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; can form filamentous colonies; filaments usually wider than 6 µm
Where we found it
Suwannee Sound
PI;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 0% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 1% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
Most planktonic forms are not harmful; however, some benthic forms, which have been found in the water column, have been associated with toxins (e.g., Lyngbya majuscula).
Ecological considerations:
Normally found in freshwater, but appears in brackish/coastal waters after heavy rainfall and freshwater discharge.
Merismopedia spp.
Algal Group: Cyanobacteria or Blue-Green Algae (Cyanophyta)
Description
spherical cells; 1-7 µm in diameter; form flat rectangular colonies
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 3% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
Normally found in freshwater, but appears in brackish/coastal waters after heavy rainfall and freshwater discharge.
Microcystis spp.
Algal Group: Cyanobacteria or Blue-Green Algae (Cyanophyta)
Description
spherical cells; 1-6 µm in diameter; form irregularly shaped colonies
Where we found it
Suwannee Sound
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 0% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 26% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
Some of these species have been associated with the production of hepatotoxin, which can negatively affect the digestive system of animals. Toxicity of local strains has not been confirmed.
Ecological considerations:
Normally found in freshwater, but appears in brackish/coastal waters after heavy rainfall and freshwater discharge. Extreme bloom events can be associated with reduced oxygen levels in the water column.
Oscillatoria spp.
Algal Group: Cyanobacteria or Blue-Green Algae (Cyanophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; 2-15 µm diameter; can form filamentous colonies
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 5% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
Normally found in freshwater, but appears in brackish/coastal waters after heavy rainfall and freshwater discharge.
spherical picoplankton
Algal Group: Cyanobacteria or Blue-Green Algae (Cyanophyta)
Description
spherical cells; < 3 µm in diameter
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 97% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 100% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
Can be too small to be captured by clam gills.
Ecological considerations:
Very often numerically the most abundant algae. May not be as important in terms of biomass compared to diatoms or dinoflagellates, but can form major blooms.
Synechococcus spp.
Algal Group: Cyanobacteria or Blue-Green Algae (Cyanophyta)
Description
oval-shaped cells; 1-3 µm wide, 5-10 µm long
Where we found it
Indian River
Sebastian
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 27% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
Some species in this genus have been shown to produce amphidiniols, compounds with hemolytic (lyse red blood cells) properties, but reports from the natural environment are rare.
Ecological considerations:
Very often numerically the most abundant algae. May not be as important in terms of biomass compared to diatoms or dinoflagellates, but can form major blooms.
Amphiprora cf.
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
oblong shape with indent in central portion of cell, cells can appear twisted; 25-150 µm long
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 9% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 36% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Bellerochea horologicalis
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; 30-100 µm long, 22-35 µm wide; form ribbon-like chains
Where we found it
Suwannee Sound
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 0% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 23% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Cerataulina pelagica
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells with short spines at terminal ends; 10-40 µm diameter; can form chains
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 9% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 38% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in fall and spring
Chaetoceros spp.
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells (appear rectangular); 4-84 µm wide; single or chains, spines (setae) at corners
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 34% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 44% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
Some species have long silica spines that can damage bivalve gills.
Ecological considerations:
resting spores common; major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in fall and spring
Dactyliosolen fragilissimus
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; 12-20 µm diameter; can form chains connected by small central process
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 16% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 17% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in fall and spring
Leptocylindrus danicus
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; 5-16 µm diameter; forms chains, multiple chloroplasts
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 7% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 34% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in fall and spring
Navicula spp.
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
linear, leaf-shaped, oblong cells, numerous morphological variations within genus; 15-80 µm long, 4-10 µm wide
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 28% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 45% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Nitzschia spp.
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
spindle-shaped or rectangular cells, can have flexible, long tapering ends, numerous morphological variations within genus; 5-100 µm long, 5-20 µm wide
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 84% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 76% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
Some species in this genus have been shown to produce amphidiniols, compounds with hemolytic (lyse red blood cells) properties, but reports from the natural environment are rare.
Odontella spp.
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; 10-110 µm wide; small horns at each pole, joined in straight or zig-zag chains, some species solitary
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 13% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 68% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in fall and spring
Paralia sulcata
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; generally 25-30 µm diameter; joined in chains
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 36% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 74% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Pseudo-nitzschia spp.
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
rectangular cells, can have pointed ends; >25-100 µm long; joined in stepped colonies of overlapping cell ends
Where we found it
Indian River
Sebastian
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 49% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
Some species have been associated with production of domoic acid, a neurotoxin responsible for Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). Toxicity of local strains has not been confirmed.
Rhizosolenia setigera
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; 4-20 µm diameter; singular or joined in chains ending in needle-like structures
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 23% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 73% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in fall and spring
Skeletonema spp.
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; 2-21 µm diameter; joined in chains by delicate external threadlike processes
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 47% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 51% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in fall and spring; extreme bloom events can be associated with reduced oxygen levels in the water column
Thalassionema nitzschioides
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
rectangular cells; 10-110 µm long, 2-8 µm wide; single or joined into zig-zag or star-shaped colonies
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 28% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 41% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in fall and spring
Thalassiosira spp.
Algal Group: Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)
Description
cylindrical cells; generally 7-20 µm diameter; singular or joined in chains by threads
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 17% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 73% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
resting spores known for some species
Akashiwo sanguinea
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
has many different forms, one rounded end and one end with two lobes; 40-80 µm long; central nucleus; one transverse flagellum and one longitudinal flagellum
Where we found it
Indian River
Sebastian
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 23% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in warm months; extreme bloom events can be associated with reduced oxygen levels in the water column
Amphidinium operculatum
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
oblong cells; < 20 µm; one transverse flagellum and one longitudinal flagellum
Where we found it
Indian River
Sebastian
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 5% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
This species has been shown to produce amphidiniols, compounds with hemolytic (lyse red blood cells) properties, but reports from the natural environment are rare.
Ceratium hircus
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
pentagonal cells with three long horns, one on top portion and two on bottom; 35-70 µm long, 30-45 µm wide at girdle
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 59% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 53% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
Extreme bloom events can be associated with reduced oxygen levels in the water column.
Dinophysis caudata
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
oblong cells; approximately 70 µm long; well-developed wing-like structure (sulcal list) on side
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 41% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 29% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
This species has been associated with production of okadaic acid, the toxin implicated in diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Although the species has been observed in the Suwannee Estuary and Indian River Lagoon, toxicity of local strains has not been confirmed.
Gonyaulax polygramma
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
pear-shaped cells with horn on top portion; 40-60 µm long, 25-40 µm wide; girdle (cingulum) descends 1.5 x width
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
HB
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 20% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 1% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
Extreme bloom events can be associated with reduced oxygen levels in the water column.
Gonyaulax spinifera
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
rounded cells; 21-32 µm diameter; girdle (cingulum) descends approximately 2 x width
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 5% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 18% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
Extreme bloom events can be associated with reduced oxygen levels in the water column.
Gyrodinium estuariale
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
rounded cells; < 20 µm; displaced central girdle
Where we found it
Suwannee Sound
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 0% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 48% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Gyrodinium spirale
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
spindle-shaped cells; 40-200 µm long; displaced central girdle
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 31% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 43% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Karenia brevis
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
rounded cells with elevated central portion; 18−45 μm; central girdle; formerly known as Gymnodinium breve
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 2% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 6% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
This species has been associated with production of brevetoxin, a neurotoxin responsible for neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP).
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms can occur any time of year, but most common in warm months; K. brevis blooms do not survive <24 ppt salinity; blooms start offshore on the midshelf and are associated with physical features such as currents and upwelling areas; K. brevis is capable of existing in low-nutrient waters because it is efficient in processing nutrients
Katodinium rotundatum
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
arrowhead-shaped cell; < 20 µm
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 6% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 34% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Pheopolykrikos hartmannii
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
barrel-shaped cells; > 50 µm long
Where we found it
Indian River
Sebastian
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 12% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Prorocentrum micans
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
heart-shaped cells; 35-70 µm long, 20-50 µm wide
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 58% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 63% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
This species has been associated with production of okadaic acid, the toxin implicated in diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Toxicity of local strains has not been confirmed.
Ecological considerations:
Extreme bloom events can be associated with reduced oxygen levels in the water column.
Prorocentrum minimum
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
triangular-shaped cells; < 20 µm
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 18% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 33% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
This species has been associated with shellfish mortalities in other parts of the world (i.e., Chesapeake Bay), but the exact mode of toxicity is unclear.
Pyrodinium bahamense var. bahamense
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
spherical cells; average 43 µm diameter; have a wing-like structure (list) that encircles the entire diameter, found individually or in pairs
Where we found it
Indian River
Sebastian
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 17% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
This species has been associated with production of saxitoxin, a suite of toxins responsible for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). The toxin has been observed in the tissues of some fish species in Florida. However, unlike the Pacific form of Pyrodinium bahamense (i.e., var. compressum), which has been implicated in the deaths of numerous people via the consumption of tainted seafood, no human incidents of severe saxitoxin exposure have been documented in Florida.
Ecological considerations:
major bloom-former; blooms occur from April - November; a truly tropical species; the IRL is the northern-most region in North America where major blooms of P. bahamense var. bahamense have been observed
Scrippsiella spp.
Algal Group: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta)
Description
rounded, pear-shaped cells; 16-36 µm long, 20-23 µm wide
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 8% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 21% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Euglena spp.
Algal Group: Euglena (Euglenophyta)
Description
oblong cells; 45-70 µm; one or two flagella; can have many chloroplasts
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 10% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 6% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
grows well in organically enriched waters
Eutreptia spp.
Algal Group: Euglena (Euglenophyta)
Description
oblong cells; 20-120 µm; two flagella; can have many chloroplasts
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 9% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 24% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Ecological considerations:
grows well in organically enriched waters
small spherical green algae
Algal Group: Green Algae (Chlorophyta)
Description
spherical or oval-shaped cells; 5 µm in diameter; solitary or clustered (e.g., Chlorella)
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;HB;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 4% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 2% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Scenedesmus spp.
Algal Group: Green Algae (Chlorophyta)
Description
oval-shaped or crescent-shaped cells; approximately 3 µm wide, 20 µm long; appear in colonies of 2-32 cells, joined with long axes parallel, can have spines at ends
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 3% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Pyramimonas spp.
Algal Group: Phytoflagellates (Prasinophyta)
Description
pyramid-shaped cells; 4-35 µm; four flagella
Where we found it
Indian River and Suwannee Sound
Sebastian
DE;GJ;PI;HB;PR;SR
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 54% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 98% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Chattonella subsalsa
Algal Group: Phytoflagellates (Raphidophyta)
Description
asymmetrical cells with one pointed end; 30-50 µm long; two flagella
Where we found it
Indian River
Sebastian
Frequency of occurrence
Indian River: 2% in 116 samples taken
Suwannee Sound: 0% in 120 samples taken
What Are The Effects On Clams?
Good; Bad
Why is it good?
acceptable food item for clams
Why is it bad?
This species has also been associated with production of brevetoxin, a neurotoxin responsible for neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP). Toxicity of local strains has not been confirmed.
Ecological considerations:
grows well in organically enriched waters
