Mixotrophy

Some photosynthetic algae are able to feed on other algae, heterotrophic protists, and bacteria. They are called as mixotrophic algae. Recently we first reported that the red-tide dinoflagellates Cochlodinium polykrikoides, Gonyaulax polygramma, Prorocentrum donghaiense, Lingulodinium polyedrum, Alexandrium minutum, 

Gymnodinium aureolum,  Paragymnodinium shiwhaense etc. were mixotrophic algae. We also found that diverse red-tide dinoflagellates and raphidophytes were able to feed on heterotrophic bacteria and cyanobacteria.

Mixotrophy in the Phototrophic Harmful Alga Cochlodinium polykrikoides (Dinophycean) 

Mixotrophy in the Phototrophic Harmful Alga Chattonella sp. (Raphidophyceae)