Pectenotoxins are a group of lipophilic toxins produced by dinoflagellates. There are 14 pectenotoxin analogues which have been confirmed. The profiles and the concentration of pectenotoxins are different in toxic algal and shellfish from different countries. The lethality of pectenotoxins by intra peritoneal injection is higher than by oral administration of mouse. At present, there are no internationally accepted criteria of maximum residue limits of pectenotoxins for shellfish. The total amount of pectenotoxins can be tested by mouse bioassay. The concentration levels of individual pectenotoxin can be analyzed by HPLC MS methods. The enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA) method for determination of pectenotoxin is under development. In China, few studies on pectenotoxins have been carried out. The studies on profiles and metabolism of pectenotoxins in shellfish are recommended.