[1] It can acquire the ability for photosynthesis through eating green algae and retaining their chloroplasts.

Strains of Pseudopfiesteria shumwayae have been implicated in fish kills around the US east coast.

[3] A study published in 2002 has shown that it is capable of killing fish by direct contact and feeding on their skin through micropredation.

[5] Pfiesteria shumwayae toxin present in filtered water can cause cognitive deficits in rats.

[7] Pfiesteria has a worldwide distribution and is typically found in estuaries and coastal habitats.