A-C = Living cells (A&C:DIC, B:BF); D&E = Cells in Lugol (DIC)
Life-form: Solitary
Size: length 15-70 µm
Resting spore:
Note: Bloom forming
Distinctive features: Obligate autotroph (?) with many red chloroplasts
Similar species:
Distribution: Worldwide
Literature:
Crawford, D. W., Purdie, D. A., Lockwood, A. P. M. & Weissman, P.
1997. Recurrent red-tides in Southampton water estuary caused by the
phototrophic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum. Estuarine, Coastal and
Shelf Science. 45: 799-812.
Lindholm, T. 1985. Mesodinium rubrum - a unique photosynthetic ciliate. Adv. Aqvat. Microbiol., 3: 1-48.
Lohmann, H. 1908. Untersuchungen zur Feststellungen des vollständigen Gehaltes des Meeres an Plankton. Wissensch. Meeresuntersuchungen, Abt. Kiel, NF., 10: 131-370.