Implications of Dinoflagellate Life Cycles on Initiation ofGymnodinium BreveRed Tides

Abstract

Florida Gymnodinium breve red tides are initiated in offshore (approx. 18 to 74 km) coastal waters primarily in late summer-fall months. Past culture studies by W. B. Wilson² 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.