The genus Ceratium is important species of dinoflagellates and its cosmopolitan distribution in the world oceans and seas also estuaries.Its necessary to know the number of species belonging to this genus,
The genus Ceratium includes species of freshwater and marine dinoflagellates.[1] Most species of Ceratium are unicellular organisms that are characterized by their armored plates, two flagella, and horns. Species of Ceratium are found worldwide and are of concern due to their blooms.
The genus Ceratium is restricted to freshwater species and with a low speciation (about 7 species or less). The most common species is Ceratium hirundinella.
The marine species formerly under the genus Ceratium are now placed in the genus Tripos. It contains about 80 species.
Please read:
Gómez, F. 2012. A checklist and classification of living dinoflagellates (Dinoflagellata, Alveolata). CICIMAR Océanides 27, 65-140.
Gómez, F. 2013. Reinstatement of the dinoflagellate genus Tripos to replace Neoceratium, marine species of Ceratium (Dinophyceae, Alveolata). CICIMAR Océanides 28, 1-22.