 Although most "Dinophysis" are marine and planktonic, some have been found in coastal lagoons

"Dinophysis caudata" feed on ciliates, specifically "Mesodinium rubrum" through myzocytosis.Picophytoplankton, bacteria, and cryptomonads are also likely part of the diet of "Dinophysis".For culture, "Dinophysis" are maintained on mixotrophic nutrition.