Red tides can appear in various colors, including red, brown, orange, or even green. The specific color of a red tide is caused by the type of algae or phytoplankton involved in the bloom. The two most common species responsible for red tides are Karenia brevis and Alexandrium fundyense. These species contain pigments, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids, which contribute to the coloration of the water during a red tide. The concentration and combination of these pigments determine the specific color observed.
