Impact of light and nutrient availability on the phagotrophic activity of harmful bloom-forming dinoflagellates.

ABSTRACT: Phagotrophy is a key nutritional mode for many bloom-forming dinoflagellates that can supplement their carbon and nutrient requirements. However, the environmental drivers and ecological relevance of phagotrophy in algal blooms are still poorly understood. This study evaluates the effect of light and nutrient availability on the phagotrophic activity of three common bloom-forming dinoflagellates (Alexandrium minutum, Heterocapsa triquetra and Prorocentrum micans) using three fluorescently labeled preys: bacteria, Synechococcus and the haptophyte Isochrysis galbana. The three dinoflagellates exhibited distinct responses to light and nutrient availability in terms of growth, cell size, prey ingestion and preference. A. minutum and H. triquetra

SUBMITTER: Mena C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11774208 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature