Hemolysis associated toxicities of benthic dinoflagellates from Hong Kong waters

Benthic dinoflagellates produce a diverse range of phycotoxins, which are responsible for intoxication events in marine fauna. This study assessed the hemolysis associated toxicities of six species of benthic dinoflagellates from the genera Coolia, Fukuyoa, Amphidinium and Prorocentrum. Results demonstrated that Amphidinium carterae, Coolia tropicalis and Fukuyoa ruetzleri were the three most toxic species, while Prorocentrum cf. lima did not have significant hemolytic effect. Grouper samples (Cephalopholis boenak) were more tolerant to the hemolytic algae than the blackhead seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii), with decreased heart rate and blood flow being observed in medaka larvae after exposure to toxic algal extracts. LC-MS/MS analysis detected a gambierone analogue called 44-methylgambierone produced by the C. tropicalis isolate. This analogue was also detected in the F. ruetzleri isolate. This study provided new information on the hemolysis associated toxicities of local toxic benthic dinoflagellates, which contributes to better understanding of their emerging threats to marine fauna and reef systems in Hong Kong.