[6] This species is also capable of mixotrophy, which makes them extremely persistent during a large algal bloom.

[9] Cochlodinium polykrikoides is a euryhaline species, capable of surviving a wide range of salinities.

C. polykrikoides can also generate reactive oxygen species[12] which are lethal to both pelagic fish and shellfish even in low concentrations.

[14][15] The bloom resulted in massive dying off of fish, damage to coral reefs, and interference with desalinization plants.

[15] As climate change continues to affect the oceans, it is predicted that harmful algal blooms (such as red tides caused by Cochlodinium polykrikoides) will be more frequent in the upcoming years.