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Dieren en planten

Mussel   Dinoflagellates   Dinophysis   Alexandrium   Harmful algae   Bivalves   

Water en land

  • Dut: Dinophysis
  • Lat: Dinophysis cf. acuminata
  • Eng: Dinophysis
  • Ger: Dinophysis
  • Dan: Dinophysis
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, Nancy Lewis via WORMS-database

Dinophysis

As small as it may be, the dinoflagellate Dinophysis makes itself known to humans in an unpleasant way. Mussels consume a toxic substance excreted by dinophysis when it blooms and people eat mussels. When concentrations are too high, the mussels are dangerous to eat. The mussel itself suffers little from the harmful algae, however mussel-eating people can suffer from intestinal and stomach disturbances. Fortunately, after a couple of days of nausea, the only remaining effect is that it will be a long time before mussels are eaten again.

  • Toxic

    Since around 1980, Dinophysis has been commonly found in Dutch coastal waters. The alga produces a toxic acid within its cell wall, which spreads through the food chain via mussels and cockles. People get sick if they eat too many shellfish containing this algae. Mussels at the fish store are checked and therefore are safe for human consumption. That is not the case if you gather your own mussels or cockles. It is better not to eat your gathered shellfish in the summer. The rule of thumb is: when there is an 'r' in the month, it is safe to eat shellfish.