pyrocystis lunula

[cal3v]

Hello Dr Ron. Can these dinoflagellates be bought and introduced into a marine reef tank? I like the fact that they bioluminesce. Is it true that they are photosynthetic,and need only lighting to survive? i.e. no feeding? Also, would the fish and filter feeders eat them all if put into the tank? Thanks.

[rshimek]

Hi,

I really don't know if they can be maintained in a reef tank.

If you wish to maintain them, I would suggest trying to keep them going in a culture first. If you are successful at that, then try introducing them to a reef tank.

Frankly, I would be hesitant to introduce any dinoflagellate to a reef tank, but that would be up to you. Most of them will likely become food for filter feeders.

Although these organisms are photosynthetic, like most algae they also need dissolved organic materials or nutrient nitrogenous compounds to thrive.

[cal3v]

Thanks Dr Ron. I was also thinking that the filter feeders would make quick work of the dinos. Any other risks associated if introduced into a reef tank?

[rshimek]

Hi,

We tend to think of dinoflagellates as being rather benign algae. At worst, they can become a nuisance; at best, some species are zooxanthellae and help fuel some of our animals.

However....

Many of them can exist in many different body forms, and may be be severly pathogenic in some of these. In other words, the same species may be algal during one phase of its life cycle and a pathogen during another.

I don't think Pyrocystis falls into this category. But, I don't know for sure that it doesn't. :D

If you want to read about the worst possible dinoflagellate, do a www search on Pfiesteria. It can eat fish, and cause severe and long lasting problems in humans.

:D

[cal3v]

Is there a danger of sticking your arm into a tank that has Pfiesteria? Say either with/without cuts? Oh,and the site that has pyrocystis culture for sale say they are "non toxic" and I guess I now know why they made a point to state that.

[rshimek]

Originally posted by cal3v

Hi,

Is there a danger of sticking your arm into a tank that has Pfiesteria? Say either with/without cuts?

Definitely. In both cases. This organism is bad news. :eek2:

Oh,and the site that has pyrocystis culture for sale say they are "non toxic" and I guess I now know why they made a point to state that.

Ha! For sure!!!
:D