Ceratocorys

Ceratocorys
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Clade:	Diaphoretickes
Clade:	SAR
Clade:	Alveolata
Phylum:	Myzozoa
Superclass:	Dinoflagellata
Class:	Dinophyceae
Order:	Gonyaulacales
Family:	Ceratocoryaceae Lindemann, 1928
Genus:	Ceratocorys F.Stein, 1883[1]
Species[2]
Ceratocorys anacantha Ceratocorys armata Ceratocorys aultii Ceratocorys bipes Ceratocorys gourretii Ceratocorys grahamii Ceratocorys horrida Ceratocorys indica Ceratocorys kofoidii Ceratocorys magna Ceratocorys reticulata Ceratocorys skogsbergii

Ceratocorys is a genus of photosynthetic free-living marine dinoflagellates first described in 1883 by Friedrich Stein. Currently consisting of 12 species, this genus is typically found at the water surface in tropical and subtropical ocean regions, and has both low nutrient requirements and salinity sensitivity. All species in the genus have a theca; 29 membrane-bound armored plates with anywhere from 2 to 6 spines protruding from the cell. They reproduce through binary fission at temperatures above 20 °C during asexual reproduction and whether or not they have sexual reproduction is not known. Due to its bioluminescent capabilities, the type species of this genus, Ceratocorys horrida, has many practical applications. Its bioluminescent response to water flow means it can act as a model organism for understanding planktonic reaction to water movement. It is also sensitive to environmental molecules; by measuring the bioluminescent response it can be used in rapid toxicity tests to detect the levels of different contaminants in water systems. Its presence is also an indicator of different oceanic phenomena like upwellings or tropical waters.