GROWTH-CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEUROTOXIN-PRODUCING CHLOROMONAD FIBROCAPSA-JAPONICA (RAPHIDOPHYCEAE)

The effects of temperature, salinity, irradiance and pH on the growth of Fibrocapsa japonica (Raphidophyceae) were examined to determine how environmental factors affect the distribution of this species. Optima l growth was observed at temperatures of 15-25 C, salinities of 25-35 parts per thousand (ppt), irradiances of 60-140 mu mol quanta/m(2) per s and pH between 7.5-8.5. Growth did not occur at temperatures below 10 C or above 30 C nor at salinities below 15 ppt. Fibrocapsa japonica grew when subjected to irradiances of 20-180 mu mol quanta/m(2) per s , and could tolerate a pH range of 6.5-8.5.