Alexandrium Tamarence – Maine Red Tide
The red tide in Maine is just as devastating as Florida Red tide but it is, in fact biologically different. On this page we’re going to discuss the organism that is: Alexandrium Tamarence or Maine Red Tide.
While they share many morphological characteristics with other Dinoflagelata, Alexandrium is a very unique genus. It is most famous (or infamous) for the effects some of its species can have on the environment. Many Alexandrium species are toxic, which can cause both medical and economic harm to humans. The non-toxic species can cause trouble as well.
– The MicrobeWiki
The toxin in question appears to be saxitoxin. In addition to Alexandrium Tamarence multiple species of phytoplankton are known to produce saxitoxin, including at least 10 other species from the genus Alexandrium. the main effects of this toxin, it appears, is the effect it has on shellfish. It causes a condition called Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.
Microphotography courtesy of the MicrobeWiki
