[2] Coolia is a benthic or epiphytic type dinoflagellate: it can be found adhered to sediment or other organisms but it is not limited to these substrates.

[7] At that time, the only species identified was Coolia monotis, which was discovered in oyster beds and the waters surrounding Nieupoort, Belgium.

[5][7] In 1956 however, because of distinct differences in the hypotheca, it was put back into its individual genera in the family Ostreopidaceae.

[5] The division process begins as the single nucleus with condensed chromosomes elongates and two nuclei develop parallel to each other.

[5] The doubling time of Coolia is approximately 3-4 days[5] Sexual reproduction occurs as gametes begin to form in the population; this is an irreversible transition.

[5] A planozygote is formed when the cells stop moving and the fertilization bridge disappears, allowing the two nuclei to join together.

[5] Phylogenetic analysis of different regions of rDNA supports the separate genus’ for Ostreopsis and Coolia.

Analysis of 5.8S rDNA-ITS sequence alignments from European and Asian isolates and their out-groups supports distinct lineages of Ostreopsis and Coolia.

[3] Coolia is found globally in coastal marine regions of both temperate and tropical waters.

[7] Coolia is typically a benthic type organism and can be attached to sandy substrates, coral, or brown and red seaweed.

[3] Coolia, especially in tropical regions, forms assemblages with Gambierdiscus toxicus; thus, they are often falsely described as being responsible for causing ciguatera.

Some of the species are known to be toxic and produce harmful algal blooms (HABs) that are of potential concern to human health.