Mighty Phytos
Phytoplankton are tiny but mighty important to the health of people and our planet. There are thousands of species, so we've chosen a dozen to highlight. You can explore these species by name or their environmental roles. "Dive in" to view microscopic images, data used to help identify species (like PACE will collect from space), and much more!
Phytopia Tutorial 
Explore by Phyto
Explore by Role
The Mighty Phyto Roster
- Alexandrium tamarense - Eat shellfish? Watch out for this phyto!
- Chaetoceros debilis - Very common and potentially harmful
- Dinophysis species - Steals pigments and can be toxic!
- Emiliania huxleyi – "Hubcaps" help reduce carbon dioxide
- Microcystis species – Freshwater species that is harmful
- Myrionecta rubra – Dense bloomer that can turn waters red
- Phaeocystis species - Helps form clouds and beach foam
- Prochlorococcus species – Tiniest phyto is a huge primary producer
- Protoperidinium divergens - Deadly beauty? Can be toxic and glow
- Rhizosolenia species – Moves nitrogen from depth to surface
- Synechococcus species - Thrives where other phytos fail
- Trichodesmium species - Key source of nitrogen for food web