Molecular‐based approaches for harmful algal bloom species, which can be difficult to identify by light microscopy, are important tools for detecting and predicting the blooms. In this study, 84 samples from Aotearoa/New Zealand coastal waters that contained Azadinium ‐like cells were analysed using an Amphidomataceae real‐time PCR assay. Nineteen samples were positive, and 24 Azadinium ‐like clonal isolates were established f...