Implications of dinoflagellate life cycles on initiation of Gymnodinium breve red tides.

Abstract

Florida Gymnodinium breve red tides are initiated in off-shore (approx. 18 to 74 km) coastal waters primarily in late summer-fall months. Past culture studies by W. B. Wilson suggested that this species could have a sexual cycle, inferring the possibility of an alternation of cytological and/or morphological generations. This possibility is further supported by numerous recent advances in dinoflagellate life cycle work which are reviewed in detail. If G. breve has a benthic resting stage (hypnozygote), as is suggested, then seed populations or seed "beds" can possibly be pinpointed and mapped.