The trophic role of heterotrophic dinoflagellates in diverse marine environments

Abstract

(...) A review of the existing data suggests that heterotrophic dinoflagellates can at times dominate the protozoan biomass in coastal and oceanic waters. Food items of dinoflagellates include bacteria, flagellates, diatoms, other dinoflagellates and ciliates. An association between diatom blooms and heterotrophic dinoflagellates has been noted in many environments. Feeding rate measurements have indicated that heterotrophic dinoflagellates may be significant consumers of diatom biomass. (...)