Selective predation by Favella ehrenbergii (Tintinnia) on and among dinoflagellates

In culture, the tintinnid Favella ehrenbergii requires dinoflagellates as food. Of the dinoflagellates tested, strain Gymno, Gonyaulax tamarensis, G. polyedra, and Heterocapsa sp. are good foods and Prorocentrum mariaelebouriae is a poor food. Amphidinium carterae, which produces choline-like substances, is not eaten. Favella recognizes dinoflagellates with very different sizes and morphologies as prey. In mixtures of dinoflagellates and non-dinoflagellates, Favella selectively preys on dinoflagellates. Cryptophytes, haptophytes, chrysophytes, diatoms, prasinophytes, and chlorophytes of suitable size are consumed in small amounts, if at all.