The study of Pfiesteria piscicida comes under several aspects of estuary characteristics and processes. It can be found in the substrate of estuaries. Pfiesteria can change under natural influences as well as human influences. Pfiesteria is a one-celled organism called dinoflagellates. It is further identified as dinoflagellate algae.
Dinoflagellates are marine protozoans in the class Dinoflagellata.
They generally have 2 flagella and a cellulose envelope. Scientists believe that Pfiesteria has existed for thousands, perhaps millions, of years. It has been found in waters as far north as Delaware and as far south s the Gulf of Mexico. It can live in salt water or fresh water. Dr. Ed Noga and Dr. JoAnn Burkholder identified Pfiesteria piscicida in 1991.