Original scientific paper

The toxic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum: an invader in the Mediterranean Sea

Gómez Fernando

Abstract

The distribution of the toxic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum Graham in the Mediterranean Sea was once restricted to the eutrophic waters of the Alborán Sea. In September 1999, this taxon was found for first time in the Algerian basin, being the dominant species at subsurface depths (~1 cell mL–1) associated with low salinity waters. The geographical expansion of this exotic species is not only deleterious due to its toxicity, but its recent presence is associated with changes on the structure of the Mediterranean pelagic food web.

Keywords

Phytoplankton; Gymnodinium catenatum; toxic dinoflagellate; Mediterranean Sea

Hrčak ID:

3545

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/3545

Publication date:

5.10.2003.

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