Alexandrium catenella (Whedon & Kofoid) Balech 1985
Publication Details
Alexandrium catenella (Whedon & Kofoid) Balech 1985: 37
Published in: Fukuyo, Y., Yoshida, K. & Inoue, H. (1985). Protogonyaulax in Japanese coastal waters. In: Toxic dinoflagellates. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Toxic Dinoflagellates, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada, June 8-12, 1985. (Anderson, D.M., White, A.W. & Baden, D.G. Eds), pp. 27-32. New York, Amsterdam, Oxford: Elsevier.
Type Species
The type species (holotype) of the genus Alexandrium is Alexandrium minutum Halim.
Status of Name
This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.
Basionym
Gonyaulax catenella Whedon & Kofoid
Type Information
Type locality: NW Pacific Ocean: San Diego, California, USA; (Faust & Gulledge 2002: 11) Holotype: (Faust & Gulledge 2002: 11)
General Environment
This is a marine species.
Created: 26 April 2002 by M.D. Guiry.
Last updated: 28 May 2024
Verification of Data
Users are responsible for verifying the accuracy of information before use, as noted on the website Content page.
Taxonomic note
According to Lilly et al. (2007: 1336), the three morphospecies of the A. tamarense complex do not conform to the phylogenetic, biological, or morphological species definition and thus ought not to be considered valid species. Instead, five phylogenetic groups have been identified that are likely cryptic species, and they strongly recommend that these groups be evaluated for species-level status. They argue that geographically based names are no longer indicative of the range occupied by members of each group. They recommend a simple group-numbering scheme for use until the taxonomy of this group is reevaluated and species names proposed. - (11 March 2008) - G.M. Guiry
Usage note
Faust & Gulledge (2002:12) notes Alexandrium catenella is a known toxin-producing dinoflagellate species. It produces strong PSP toxins which are transmitted via tainted shellfish. These toxins can affect humans, other mammals, fish and birds: c1-c4 toxins, saxitoxins (SXT) and gonyautoxins (GTX). Ichthyotoxins have been reported in cultured A. catenella. Please consult original reference for further details. Harmful species. - (11 May 2006) - G.M. Guiry
Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=40281
Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 28 May 2024. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 29 March 2025
