A living cell at different focal planes, arrow = spine (BF)
Life-form: Solitary
Size: Length 14-22 µm, width 10-15 µm.
Resting spore:
Note: Toxic, it can bloom
Distinctive features: Shape and surface markings
Similar species: P. balticum
Distribution: Worldwide
Literature:
Dodge, J. D. 1982. Marine Dinoflagellates of the British Isles. Her
Majesty's Stationery Office, London. 303 pp.
Hansen, G. & Larsen, J. 1992. Dinoflagellater i danske farvande. In: Thomsen, H. A. (ed.) Plankton i de indre danske farvande. Havforskning fra Miljøstyrelsen, Copenhagen, p. 45-155.
Larsen, J. & Moestrup, Ø. 1989. Guide to toxic and potentially toxic marine algae. The Fish Inspection Service, Ministry of Fisheries, Copenhagen. 61 pp.
Steidinger K. A. & Tangen, K. 1996. Dinoflagellates. In: Tomas, C. R. (ed.) Identifying marine diatoms and dinoflagellates. Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, p. 387-584.