Alexandrium Monilatum
Alexandrium monilatum

Alexandrium monilatum is a bioluminescent algae species common in harmful algal blooms in the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay.

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A bloom of Alexandrium monilatum is seen from an altitude of 500 feet in Chesapeake Bay off of New Point Comfort in Virginia on Sept. 12, 2016. (Photo courtesy Wolf Vogelbein/VIMS)

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Appearance

Alexandrium monilatum is a dinoflagellate—a type of single-celled algae with thread-like flagellum that help them move. It generally forms chains of between two and 80 cells. This species is bioluminescent and glows blue-green when stimulated at night, often by waves or boats.

Feeding

Alexandrium monilatum is photosynthetic. Excess nutrients in the Bay can fuel the growth of algae blooms, when populations of algae like Alexandrium monilatum grow rapidly. Dead zones form when these algae blooms die and decompose. Because the decomposition process removes oxygen from the water faster than it can be replaced, the decomposition of an algae bloom creates hypoxic or anoxic conditions that can suffocate marine life and shrink the habitat available to fish, crabs and other critters.

Predators

Planktonic algae like Alexandrium monilatum is at the base of the food chain and is an important food source for small fish and other wildlife.

Reproduction and life cycle

Alexandrium monilatum is able to reproduce both asexually and sexually.

Did you know?

  • Alexandrium monilatum populations have recently expanded and intensified in the Chesapeake Bay. This algae is toxic and blooms can cause fish kills and the deaths of oysters.
  • While it isn’t well documented, it is possible that bioluminescent dinoflagellates like Alexandrium monilatum can cause sand crabs to glow. Sand crabs are filter feeders, so as they filter the water, bioluminescent algae can stay in their bodies, causing them to glow.

Sources and additional information

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