Prorocentrum scutellum
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Taxonomic Group: Dinoflagellate
Trophic Status: Autotrophic
Size Range: 30-45 μm wide x 35-57 μm long (Dodge 1982)
Key Characteristics: Cell broadly heart-shaped with a slightly pointed posterior end; anterior end with slight indentation and 2 spines, the larger of which is attached to a delicate broad wing; spines unequal in length and may be curved or hooked; pores on valves arranged in a radial pattern, but this feature is often difficult to see
Confused With: Prorocentrum compressum, which is more rounded and has spines that are shorter and of equal length and are sometimes hard to see
Toxin: None known