Friday, February 15, 2013

Karenia brevis


Karenia brevis is the dinoflagellate responsible for the red tide in Florida and Texas. When it is in high concentrations, it causes the water to take on a reddish or pinkish color.


It is harmful to marine animals and humans, causing death and neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. Symptoms of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning include vomiting, nausea, and a variety of neurological symptoms such as slurred speech. As a result, the Gulf coast economy is negatively affected because it prevents people from being able to consume shellfish.


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