Chattonella cf.
verruculosa
Taxon
Chattonella cf. verruculosa Hara & Chihara 1994
Family / Order / Class / Phylum
Chattonellaceae / Chattonellales / Raphidophyceae /
Ochrophyta
COMMON NAMES (English only)
SYNONYMS
Unknown.
SHORT DESCRIPTION
This small phytoplankton alga is found in brackish and
marine waters. There is a controversial discussion on the
species determination and its correct taxonomic group.
Some experts believe that this species should belong to
the group dictyophyte. Further, due to nomenclatural
problems a new species name was suggested, i.e.
Verrucophora verruculosa. After genetic studies it
became clear that the Norwegian populations are
different from the German and Japanese. Consequently
it is much too early to assess whether or not the species
was introduced or if it was previously overlooked or
misidentified.
Chattonella spp
Photo: Bay Paul Center
BIOLOGY/ECOLOGY
Dispersal mechanisms
Water currents.
Reproduction
The dominant reproductive mode is asexual fission. Cells, 12 - 30 µm in length with variable shape, are found
during the North Sea blooms. During blooms, concentrations can range up to 10 million cells per litre.
Known predators/herbivores
Zooplankton.
Resistant stages (seeds, spores etc.)
Unknown; often towards the end of a bloom are capable of producing a resting cyst, formed through a sexual
process.
HABITAT
Native (EUNIS code)
A7: Pelagic water column. Upper water layers in coastal waters and also offshore.
Habitat occupied in invaded range (EUNIS code)
A7: Pelagic water column. Upper water layers (up to 15 m depth) in coastal waters and also offshore.
Habitat requirements
In laboratory experiments it tolerates temperatures of 5 to 30 °C and salinities from 10 to 35 PSU. The maximum
growth rate has been observed at 15 °C and 25 PSU. During the 1998 bloom temperature ranged from 9 – 10 °C,
phosphate 0.25 – 0.56 µmol/dm-3 and nitrate 0.4 – 3.65 µmol/dm-3.
DISTRIBUTION
Native Range
Japan
Known Introduced Range
It was never found forming large blooms in Europe before 1998. During this bloom, algae were found in
southern Norway, in the Skagerrak region with highest concentrations along the west coast of Sweden. Small
amounts of the algae have been observed in the Kattegat. Other blooms occurred in 2000 and 2001. High cell
densities were also observed north-west of the German island Sylt and around Helgoland. It has been observed in
lower concentrations in 2002 and 2003.
Trend
Unknown.
MAP (European distribution)
Known in country
Legend
Known in CGRS square
Known along coast
Known in area
INTRODUCTION PATHWAY
The species may have been introduced with ballast water.
IMPACT
Ecosystem Impact
It is a potentially toxic raphidophyte killing fish. The toxin is a fatty acid which affects the gill tissue of fish
resulting in the production of mucus which makes the fish suffocate.
Health and Social Impact
Unknown.
Economic Impact
Harvest loss in fish cultures. In spring 1998 the species killed 350 tonnes of farmed Norwegian salmon.
MANAGEMENT
Prevention
Unknown.
Mechanical
During harmful algae blooms commercial stocks may be saved by clay spraying, but it needs to be proven that
this method is really effective at controlling the algae.
Chemical
Unknown.
Biological
Unknown.
REFERENCES
Edler L (1998) Algal Situation in Swedish Marine Waters. SMHI Oceanographic Service 8. pp 2
ICES, WGHABD (2005) Report of the ICES Working Group on Harmful Algal Bloom Dynamics. Flödevigen
(Norway) Meeting, April 2005, pp 40 [available at www.ices.dk]
Yamaguchi M, Itakura S, Nagasaki K, Matsuyama Y, Uchida T, Imai I (1997) Effects of temperature and salinity on
the growth of the red tide flagellates Heterocapsa circularisquama (Dinophyceae) and Chattonella verruculosa
(Raphidophyceae). Journal of Plankton Research 19:1167-1174
OTHER REFERENCES
Baba T, Momoyama K, Hiraoka M (1995) A harmful flagellated plankton increased in Tokuyama Bay. Bull.
Yamaguchi Pref. Naikai Fish. Exp. Stn. 24:121-122
Hallegraeff GM, Anderson DM, Cembella AD (eds) (2003) Manual on harmful marine microalgae. Paris: UNESCO
Hara Y, Doi K, Chihara M (1994) Four new species of Chattonella (Raphidophyceae, Chromophyta) from Japan.
Japanese Journal of Phycology 42:407-420
Throndsen J (1997) The planktonic marine flagellates. Pages 591-730 in S. R. Tomas, editor. Identifying Marine
Phytoplankton. Academic Press. San Diego, USA, pp 591-730
Yamamoto C, Tanaka Y (1990) Two species of harmful red tide plankton increased in Fukuoka Bay. Bull. Fukuoka
Fish. Exp. Stn. 16:43-44
Author: Stephan Gollasch
Date Last modified: October 30th,2006