Definition: A dinoflagellate with a life cycle that includes numerous flagellated, amoeboid, and encysted stages. Both the flagellated and amoeboid forms produce toxins which cause open wounds on fish. Pfiesteria piscicida feeds on tissue sloughed from these wounds, as well as on bacteria and algae. It is found in Atlantic estuaries of the United States.
infection: coordinate IM with PROTOZOAN INFECTIONS (IM); coordinate with specific protozoan terms (ANTIGENS, PROTOZOAN, etc) if pertinent
Other names piscicidas, Pfiesteria; piscicida, Pfiesteria; Pfiesteria piscicidas
