Gonyaulax is a genus of dinoflagellates with the type species Gonyaulax spinifera (Claparède et Lachmann) Diesing. Gonyaulax belongs to red dinoflagellates and commonly causes red tides. It can produce yesotoxins: for example, strains of Gonyaulax spinifera from New Zealand are yessotoxin producers.
Structure The plate formula in the genus Gonyaulax Diesing was redefined as Po, 3', 2a, 6", 6c, 4-8s, 5'", 1p, 1"".
Classification All species are marine, except for one freshwater species, Gonyaulax apiculata.
It previously included several species, which are now considered to belong to a separate genus, e.g.: Gonyaulax tamarensis (now: Alexandrium tamarense) Gonyaulax grindleyi (now: Protoceratium reticulatum) Gonyaulax polyedra (now: Lingulodinium polyedra)
Adaptations Gonyaulax dinoflagellates can produce resting cysts that belong to the cyst-defined genus Spiniferites and other genera
Effect on humans Although some Gonyaulax species can produce yessotoxins, which can accumulate in shellfish, no harmful effects to humans have been clearly demonstrated; however abalone mortalities have been related to blooms of Gonyaulax membranaceae.
Red tide A Red tide is a discoloration of the sea water by pigmented cells like Gonyaulax spp., some of which may produce toxins. Gonyaulax spinifera has been connected to the production of yessotoxins (YTXs), a group of structurally related polyether toxins, which can accumulate in shellfish.
References