Spindle-shaped Gyrodinium
Gyrodinium spirale
Gyrodinium spirale is a heterotrophic dinoflagellate, meaning it does not rely only on photosynthesis and instead grazes on other plankton.
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About this species
Species identity
Gyrodinium spirale is a heterotrophic dinoflagellate, meaning it does not rely only on photosynthesis and instead grazes on other plankton. It is part of the microzooplankton community and can feed on diatoms and other small cells in the plankton.
Where it lives
Gyrodinium spirale is widespread in marine plankton and occurs in coastal and open waters where it can exploit dense phytoplankton communities. It can be important in food webs that route energy through microzooplankton before larger consumers feed.
Role in the ecosystem
Spindle-shaped Gyrodinium helps explain how marine food webs function through its ecological role, habitat use, and connection to broader ecosystem change.
Scientific reference
Citation
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Open the primary consumer view and compare this species with related marine life.
