Ornithocercus is a genus of planktonicdinoflagellate that is known for its complex morphology that features considerable lists growing from its thecal plates, giving an attractive appearance.[2] Discovered in 1883, this genus has a small number of species currently categorized but is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical oceans.[3] The genus is marked by exosymbiotic bacteria gardens under its lists, the inter-organismal dynamics of which are a current field of research.[4] As they reside only in warm water, the genus has been used as a proxy for climate change and has potential to be an indicator species for environmental change if found in novel environments.[5]
^Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. (2018). AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway (taxonomic information republished from AlgaeBase with permission of M.D. Guiry). Ornithocercus Stein, 1883. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=109464 on 2018-08-23
^Taylor, F. J. R. (1973), General Features of Dinoflagellate Material Collected by the "Anton Bruun" during the International Indian Ocean Expedition, Ecological Studies, vol. 3, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 155–169, doi:10.1007/978-3-642-65468-8_11, ISBN9783642654701