Genus Cochlodinium Schütt, 1895
Cells unarmoured. Gyrodinioid cells, small to medium-sized, with greater than 1.5 X cingular rotation. Usually with apical groove. Single cell or chain-forming species. Body sometimes appears twisted due to cingular torsion. Chloroplasts present or absent. Encystment common.
Planktonic species. Some red tide formers and toxic.
Remarks: Species of this genus are differentiated based on the following characteristics: 1) shape and contours; 2) size; 3) amount of cingular rotation or number of turns; 4) presence of striae or ribs; and 5) color.
Species included from this genus:
Cochlodinium polykrikoides Margelef, 1961