Fibrocapsa japonica algae(Photo: PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY FWC)

A Florida Keys channel contains a potentially harmful algae bloom that causes a different type of red tide than the raging beaches on the east and west coasts of the state, Florida International University reported Tuesday.

The algae of the Pirates Cove subdivision of Key Largo are Fibrocapsa japonica, whose toxins can kill animals but have not made them sick, according to a press release from the CRF.

More:Red tide invades the east and west coasts of Florida | Card link

"We do not have to worry at the moment," said Tom Frankovich, an associate professor of research at the FIU's Institute of Water and Environment. "This particular algae is an integral part of the environment and often forms harmless flowers with no noticeable effects on marine life, but it can cause fish death if it persists for long periods of time."

Tom Frankovich, researcher at the CRF (Photo: PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY CRF)

The algae are present in closed environments enriched in an organic way and with a weak circulation of water, he declared.

After Frankovich's water tests confirmed the presence of algae on October 2, he informed the Florida and Monroe County agencies, sent samples of water to the laboratory. Bloom's harmful Bloom of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to confirm his findings, and received confirmation from Carmelo Tomas, professor of biology emeritus. at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, phytoplankton specialist.

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A resident reported the red tide in his channel at Frankovich on the premises of the CRF in Key Largo.

"In the absence of respectful owners and experts such as Mr Frankovich, it is likely that this overgrowth would have escaped public attention or would have been confused with that of seaweed algae. Florida, "said James Fourqurean, director of the Coastal Oceans Research Programs at the FIU.

More: What to know about the red tide

Karenia Brevis, the most common species of red tide, is what is rampant on the beaches of the east and west coast of Florida.

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