Autecology of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium ostenfeldii: life history and growth at different temperatures and salinities

Abstract

Batch culture experiments were conducted with Alexandrium ostenfeldii, a toxic, marine dinoflagellate common in Danish waters. Growth occurred at 11.3–23.7 °C and from 10 to 40 psu. Maximum division rates of more than 0.3 divisions d−1 took place at 20 °C and 15–20 psu. Growth phase variations resulted in mean cell sizes from 12 × 103 to 20 × 103 μm3. Variations in cell size were observed at different temperatures and salinities, and mean cell size was closely correlated with division rate for all temperatures investigated (11.3–23.7 °C) and for salinities between 10 and 30 psu. Sexual stages, fusing gametes and planozygotes were observed in nutrient-deficient cultures of A. ostenfeldii from New Zealand, but mixing of two Danish nutrient-deficient, clonal cultures did not result in mating. Sexual fusion did not lead to the formation of resting cysts, which are presently known only from nature. Temporary cysts were very common in ageing cultures and in unfavourable environmental conditions that did not permit growth. These cysts showed a high degree of morphological variability. When stained with calcofluor, the cysts revealed a surface pattern. Germination of temporary cysts caused the release of a naked, biflagellate stage. At germination, the transverse flagellum was located outside the cingulum, next to the longitudinal flagellum. The transverse flagellum became positioned in the cingulum only after the cell was clear of the cyst wall.