First report of Gambierdiscus in the Western Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Islands)

Abstract

Gambierdiscus (Dinophyceae) species are benthic dinoflagellates living in marine littoral zones of circumtropical areas and have recently been described in temperate waters [1]. Some species are producers of potent neurotoxins: ciguatoxins (CTXs) and maitotoxins (MTXs). Ciguatoxins are linked to Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP). Ciguatera used to be restricted to tropical and subtropical areas, but since the last decade, it appears to be expanding to more temperate latitudes. For example, outbreaks of ciguatera have been reported in the Canary Islands and Madeira (eastern Atlantic Ocean), where several species of the genus Gambierdiscus have been identified.