Production of pinnatoxins by a peridinoid dinoflagellate isolated from Northland, New Zealand

A peridinoid dinoflagellate was newly identified as the producer of pinnatoxins E (0–3.7 pg cell−1) and F (0.3–20.1 pg cell−1), as determined by LC–MS analysis of extracts of eight strains of the organism. The cyst-forming, thecate dinoflagellate was isolated from surface sediments associated with eel grass beds and mangroves in Rangaunu Harbour, Northland, New Zealand. Extracts of mass cultures of the dinoflagellate were tested for toxicity in mice by intraperitoneal injection, gavage and voluntary consumption. The LD50 values were 1.33, 2.33 and 5.95 mg/kg respectively.