The genus contains only two species both unable to produce microcystins: and comb. nov.

Spirulina is the commercial name for edible cyanobacteria of the genus . The taxonomy of this genus is confusing with four species distributed in two lineages. Furthermore, the species has been cited as toxic by potentially producing microcystins.

Microcystins and Cyanobacterial Contaminants in the French Small-Scale Productions of Spirulina ( sp.).

Spirulina is consumed worldwide, in the form of food or dietary supplements, for its nutritional value and health potential. However, these products may contain cyanotoxins, including hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs), produced by cyanobacterial contaminants. The French spirulina market has the particularity of being supplied half-locally by approximately 180 small-scale spirulina production farms.