Coolia Meunier, 1919
Biology:
Coolia is a genus of dinoflagellates that forms an important component of benthic microalgal assemblages in tropical and subtropical seas.
Diagnostic description:
The genus Coolia was originally described by Meunier in 1919 based on samples of one species, C. monotis, collected from Belgian waters.
Molecular biology:
Molecular phylogenetic analysis has been widely applied in species recognition in Coolia (Penna et al. 2005, Dolapsakis et al. 2006).
Distribution:
Coolia spp. have been collected from a wide range of geographic locations and habitats.
Risk statement:
Coolia species often share habitat with known toxin-producing benthic dinoflagellates and it has been suggested that this benthic assemblage may contribute to Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in areas where this disease is endemic (Tindall and Morton 1998).