Need help ID Dinoflagellate (microscope ID)

[Giannis_87]

Hello all,

I've attached a video and two photos from my new entry algae in my 20 gallons nano reef.
I want to confirm if it is Amphidinium Dinoflagellate Large Cell or another Dino type algae.

My nitrates hit almost zero (Red sea tests), phosphates are 0.021 (with Hanna). Mostly i have them in the bottom sand but i think there are some in the rock and in the back glass (attached picture).
All my other parameters seem to be fine (Ca=440, KH=9.01, Mg=1350, salinity=1025).
I change water every 8-10 days approximately 20-25% using 3 stage RODI system.

 

[Lasse]

@taricha

Sincerely Lasse

 

[taricha]

Large Cell Amphidinium (I think). Prorocentrum less likely.

 

[Giannis_87]

Thank you for your quick response... @taricha and @Lasse
Going to figure out how to remove it now..

 

[J1a]

I think they are LCA as well, can vaguely see the epitheca on some of them.

It will be much easier if you were to dilute the sample, so that there is less overlapping.

It is also helpful to use a paper to blot away most of the water under the cover slide. So more things can be in focus.

 

[Giannis_87]

I think they are LCA as well, can vaguely see the epitheca on some of them.

It will be much easier if you were to dilute the sample, so that there is less overlapping.

It is also helpful to use a paper to blot away most of the water under the cover slide. So more things can be in focus.

Thank you J1a I will do your way.
however, whats the main difference between LCA and Prorocentrum using a microscope? I'm asking because I lost 3 snails so far so I think there is a small chance to be Prorocentrum which is more toxic.

 

[J1a]

You may be able to see a side way curved thing on LCA from certain angles. While for prorocenteum the "tip" of the dino seems to have a tiny dent.

The photo shows a LCA.

Potentially, you may have more than one type of dino. So perhaps a resample and scopework can tell a clearer story.