The most well known harmful algal bloom (HAB) on the east coast is Alexandrium catenella, also known as the Gulf of Maine “ red tide.” This toxic dinoflagellate produces saxitoxins that can accumulate in shellfish and cause paralytic shellfish poisoning in human consumers. It occurs from Maine to New York.

Alexandrium catenella is a species of dinoflagellates. It is among the group of Alexandrium species that produce toxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, and is a cause of red tide. ‘’

Alexandrium catenella is a species of dinoflagellates. It is among the group of Alexandrium species that produce toxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, and is a cause of red tide. These organisms have been found in the west coast of North America, Japan, Australia, and parts of South Africa.

What is Alexandrium catenella? The most well-known and costly harmful algal bloom syndrome in New England is Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), caused by blooms of the toxin-producing dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella.