In humans, Paralytic shellfish poisoning is caused by the alkaloid toxin saxitoxin and its analogs. Paralytic shellfish poisoning has caused several illnesses in Australia, which have a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tingling or burning lips, gums, tongue, face, neck, arms, legs, and toes. The species that have been documented to produce saxitoxin and its analogs, referred to as the Paralytic Shellfish Toxins, from Australian waters include;
Alexandrium pacificum
Alexandrium australiense
Alexandrium minutum
Alexandrium fundyense
Gymnodinium catenatum
Dolichospermum sigmoideum (fresh and brackish water only)