Fusion of the Family Glenodiniaceae into the Peridiniaceae, with Notes on <i>Glenodinium foliaceum</i> Stein.*†

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. The family Glenodiniaceae is abolished because advances in axenic culture and microscopy invalidate its original description. Its 3 genera are removed to the Peridiniaceae. Taxonomic criteria of families and genera concerned are discussed, and morphological studies of Glenodinium foliaceum under phase‐contrast and polarization microscopy are reported and illustrated by photomicrographs. Evidence for G. foliaceum being a species intermediate between freshwater and marine dinoflagellates came from morphological and physiological studies. G. foliaceum responded to both inorganic and organic PO 4 and NO 3 sources. NH 4 was toxic. Urea toxicity was due to breakdown of urea on autoclaving. Methionine was not utilized. Proline was toxic. B 12 was essential. G. foliaceum culture characteristics and polysaccharide production are reported.