Effects of the toxin producer known as golden algae have been
localized within the state to small ponds and the Intracoastal
Waterway.
Prymnesium parvum, also known as golden algae, is a
naturally occurring microscopic member of the phytoplankton
community. This algal species is found in brackish waters worldwide
and has been noted in Florida waters since 2005 (See Figure 1).
Figure 1 Prymnesium parvum
bloom, Lake Hanna, March 21, 2011
It is a known toxin producer and has caused large-scale fish
kills in other parts of the United States and the world. It can
cause ecological and economic harm particularly to aquaculture
industries. In Florida, fish kills caused by P. parvum
have been localized to small ponds in residential areas and golf
courses and the Intracoastal Waterway (See Figure 2).
Figure 2 Locations of Prymnesium
parvum
blooms in Florida waters (2005- July 2011)
Prymnesium parvum is found throughout the water column,
and the formation of a resting stage in the sediment, called a
cyst, has been hypothesized. In Florida, P. parvum can be
found year round. However, fish kills have been recorded only in
winter months when water temperatures are below 30°C (86°F), and
salinity is between 1 and 5 parts per thousand. Research has shown
that P. parvum can produce allelopathic
compounds--chemicals that inhibit growth in another species of
plant--that give the cells a competitive advantage over other
phytoplankton and grazers. P. parvum also produces an
ichthyotoxin, or fish toxin, called prymnesin, which affects
gill-breathing organisms by rupturing gill membranes. To date, no
adverse health impacts have been noted for humans or
non-gill-breathing wildlife that have come in contact with waters
experiencing a P. parvum bloom.
View images and learn more about HAB species in our Flickr
set.
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