In the field, this species undergoes intense diel vertical migration behavior that has been linked to benthic/deep water nutrient acquisition by other dinoflagellates Intense microbial activity likely makes sediments a rich source of vitamin B12 and C. polykrikoides may partially fill some of its vitamin quota during migrations to the benthos. Similarly, the low B1 utilization may also be related to a fulfillment of B1 requirement near the sediment water interface.