Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Pfiesteria shumwayae

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Domain
  
Eukarya

Order
  
Phytodiniales

Genus
  
Pseudopfiesteria

Rank
  
Species

Phylum
  
Dinoflagellata

Family
  
Pfiesteriaceae

Higher classification
  
Pseudopfiesteria

Pfiesteria shumwayae httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Scientific name
  
Pseudopfiesteria shumwayae

Similar
  
Dinoflagellate, Pfiesteria, Pfiesteria piscicida, Dinophyceae, Eukaryote

Pseudopfiesteria shumwayae is a species of heterotrophic dinoflagellates in the genus Pseudopfiesteria. It was first characterized in North Carolina in 2000. It can acquire the ability for photosynthesis through eating green algae and retaining their chloroplasts. It can also turn predatory and toxic strains of Pseudopfiesteria shumwayae have been implicated in fish kills around the US east coast. Pseudopfiesteria shumwayae has been described as having a less complex life cycle than Pfiesteria piscicida.

Contents

Toxicity

While toxic strains of Pseudopfiesteria shumwayae have been implicated in fish kills, its ability to secrete an exotoxin to kill its prey has been subject to controversy. A study published in 2002 has shown that it is capable of killing fish by direct contact and feeding on their skin through micropredation. Toxicity levels appear to depend on the strains and assays used in the laboratory. Pfiesteria shumwayae toxin present in filtered water can cause cognitive deficits in rats.

Taxonomy

Based on 2005 research, the previously known Pfiesteria shumwayae should be reassigned its own genus based on both morphological analysis and molecular evidence as supported by rDNA analysis. Although in close resemblance to Pfiesteria piscicida, it differs in two important precingular plates 5" and 6", which historically, only one plate difference would be sufficient to place in a separate genus. Shumwayae's new genus is now Pseudopfiesteria.

Occurrence

Pfiesteria has a worldwide distribution and is typically found in estuaries and coastal habitats. It is usually benign unless it "blooms" to a high concentration. High concentrations of Pseudopfiesteria shumwayae have been found in the following locations:

  • Taskinas Creek, a tributary of the York River in James City County, Virginia, in March 2005.
  • References

    Pfiesteria shumwayae Wikipedia