Coccolithophorid Collection

Discosphaera tubifera, coccolithophore
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showing the unicellular planktonic algae Discosphaera tubifera from the North Atlantic surrounded by a sphere of calcite plates - coccoliths

Calcareous phytoplankton, SEM
Calcareous phytoplankton. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the external mineralised structures (coccospheres) of small marine algal organisms called coccolithophores

Acanthoica acanthifera, coccosphere
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a coccosphere, collected in the North Atlantic (x 25, 000 on negative). Artificially coloured by computer

Emiliana huxleyi, coccolith
Scanning electron microscope image of a complete sphere of coccoliths from modern oceans. These are thin calcite shells protecting the coccolithophore within

Emiliania huxleyi coccolithophores collected from a bloom in the SW Approaches to the English Channel in June 2004. Date: 2004

Coccolith
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a Folkestone chalk surface with Cretaceous coccoliths (x2500 on a standard 9 cm wide print)

Syracosphaera anthos
Coccosphere from the Western Mediterranean. False coloured to show the shell is formed of inner and outer layers of coccoliths with very different structure

Coccolithophore alga, SEM C019 / 0233
Coccolithphore. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of part of a coccolithophore unicellular marine alga. It is surrounded by a skeleton (coccosphere) of calcium carbonate plates (coccoliths)

Coccolithophore alga, SEM C019 / 0234
Coccolithphore. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of part of a coccolithophore unicellular marine alga. It is surrounded by a skeleton (coccosphere) of calcium carbonate plates (coccoliths)

Coccolithophore alga, SEM C019 / 0224
Coccolithphore. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a coccolithophore unicellular marine alga. It is surrounded by a skeleton (coccosphere) of calcium carbonate plates (coccoliths)

Coccolithophorid plankton, SEM C013 / 5109
Coccolithophorid plankton. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the external mineralised structure (coccosphere) of a small marine algal organism called a coccolithophore

Scyphosphaera apsteinii. SEM image of an equatorial coccolith

Model of coccolith Kamptnerius magnificus
Copy of the resin model of the coccolith Kamptnerius magnificus Deflandre, 1930 currently on display in the Earth Lab area of the Earth Galleries at the Natural History Museum, London

Ceratolithoides aculeus, coccolith
Scanning electron microscope image of an isolated coocolith from Cretaceous chalk. These are thin calcite shells protecting the coccolithophore within

Florosphaera profunda, coccolith
Scanning electron microscope image of a complete sphere of coccoliths from modern oceans. These are thin calcite shells protecting the coccolithophore within

Emiliania huxleyi coccosphere
Coccosphere of Emiliania huxleyi from the Western Mediterranean. E. huxleyi is one of the most widespread species on earth

Coccoliths
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of coccoliths, these are the limestone scales surrounding the marine phytoplankton coccolithophores

Acanthoica acanthifera

Coccolithus pelagicus
Coccosphere of Coccolithus pelagicus, a common cold water coccolithophore. Collected from the British Continental shelf, North West of Scotland. Specimen diameter 15m. False-coloured SEM image

Florisphaera profunda
A coccolithophore with highly modified, plate-like coccoliths. This is a very common deep dwelleing species, typically living at about 100-150m depth in the water column

Ophiaster formosus
A coccolithophore with long appendages formed of strings of highly modified coccoliths. Collected from the West Pacific. Specimen diameter 50m. False-coloured SEM image

Pontosphaera japonica. A coccolithophore with relatively large, flat, coccoliths. Collected from off Hawaii. Specimen diameter 22m. False-coloured SEM image

Calyptrolithophora papillifera, holococcolith
An SEM of a holococcolith, a nano-fossil, with flat top

Axopodorhabdus albianus, coccolith
Scanning electron microscope image of a Cretaceous coccolith from Folkestone Chalk (x 10, 000 on a standard 9 cm wide print)

Coccoliths magnified a thousand times
An illustration of Coccoliths magnified a thousand times. Coccoliths are micro-fossils and feature heavily in the composition of chalk

Calcidiscus leptoporus and Syracolithus quadriperforatus, co
In this scanning electron micrograph, the transition of a life-cycle stage in Calcidiscus is shown from the outer cover to the inner layer. Specimen taken from W. Mediterranean

Chalk
A piece of flintless white chalk from the Upper Chalk, Flamborough, Yorks. Chalk is a sedimentary rock formed in deep seas

Plankton cell wall, SEM
Plankton cell wall. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the geometrical plates making up the mineralised cell wall of a planktonic alga (Coronosphaera mediterranea)

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"Coccolithophorid: The Intricate World of Calcareous Phytoplankton" Delve into the fascinating realm of coccolithophorids, a group of calcareous phytoplankton that inhabit our oceans. These microscopic organisms, visible only under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), showcase intricate structures and mesmerizing beauty. One such species is Discosphaera tubifera, a coccolithophore known for its distinctive tube-like shape. Its delicate calcite plates form an elegant armor around its cell, providing protection while creating stunning patterns when viewed up close. Emiliana huxleyi, another prominent coccolithophore, boasts exquisite coccoliths - tiny calcium carbonate scales that encase its cells. These intricately designed structures not only serve as defense mechanisms but also play vital roles in global carbon cycling and climate regulation. Acanthoica acanthifera presents itself as a spherical coccosphere adorned with numerous spines. This unique adaptation aids in buoyancy control and protects against predators in the vast oceanic expanse. The Emiliania huxleyi coccosphere showcases remarkable diversity within this species. Varying shapes and sizes contribute to their ability to thrive across different marine environments worldwide. Syracosphaera anthos emerges as an enchanting member of the coccolithophore family with its vibrant floral-like appearance. Its intricate designs captivate researchers studying these mesmerizing microorganisms. Through SEM images like Coccolithophore alga C019/0233, C019/0234, and C019/0224 we gain insight into the minute details of these algae's structure—each image revealing new wonders hidden beneath the surface of our seas. Coccolithophorid plankton (SEM C013/5109) offers a glimpse into the diverse forms these organisms can take on during their life cycle.