Algae serve as a source of nutrients for bacteria in the marine environment. The interactions between algae and bacteria at the phycosphere interface are known to include mutualism, commensalism, competition or antagonism. Here, based onin situobservation and on anin vitrointeraction study, we report on a novel form of starvation-induced hunting that the cells of selectedVibriospecies exert on the dinoflagellate species. Results showed thatVibrio atlanticuswas able to coordinate lightning group attacks then kill the dinoflagellateAlexandrium pacificumACT03. Briefly, the observed coordinated mechanism of algal-killing consists of first, the ‘immobilization stage’ involving the secretion of algicidal metabolites that disrupt the flagella of the prey. The ‘attack stage’ resembles the ‘wolf-pack attack’ strategy, during whichVibriossurrounds algal cells at high density for a brief period without invading them. Finally, the ‘killing stage’ induces the lysis and degradation of the dinoflagellates. By using a combination of biochemical, proteomic, genetic and fluorescence microscopy approaches, we showed that this relationship is not related to the decomposition of algal organic matter,Vibrioquorum sensing pathways, to the toxicity of the algae or to the pathogenicity of the bacterium but is conditioned by nutrient stress, iron availability and link to the iron-vibrioferrin transport system ofV. atlanticus. This is the first evidence of a new mechanism that could be involved in regulating Alexandrium spp. blooms and giving Vibrio a competitive advantage in obtaining nutrients from the environment.