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Karenia Brevis

Algae and Protists

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Karenia brevis is a species of marine dinoflagellate best known as the primary organism responsible for red tide blooms in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly along the coasts of Florida. When conditions favor its rapid reproduction, it can turn coastal waters a reddish-brown color and release brevetoxins, potent neurotoxins that kill fish in large numbers, contaminate shellfish and cause respiratory irritation in humans exposed to sea spray near an active bloom.

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