Extensive dinoflagellate blooms have occurred in the southern Benguela recently.
Α bloom in austral 2011 was associated with anomalous westerly winds.
Sardine within the bloom were in poor condition whereas other clupeoids were not.
This interspecific difference is due to differences in branchial basket morphology.
Sardine may be susceptible to indirect negative impacts of dinoflagellate blooms.