Prymnesiophyceae Collection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Prymnesiophyceae, a fascinating group of marine microorganisms, includes various species such as Emiliania huxleyi coccosphere, Syracosphaera anthos, Scyphosphaera apsteinii, and many more. These organisms are commonly known as coccolithophores due to their unique characteristic feature - the presence of intricate calcite plates called coccoliths. One prominent member is Emiliania huxleyi coccosphere. This species forms large blooms in oceans worldwide and plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle by absorbing atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis. Its beautiful spherical structure adorned with delicate coccoliths makes it an enchanting sight under the microscope. Another noteworthy member is Syracosphaera anthos, which exhibits stunning star-shaped structures composed of intricately arranged coccoliths. These mesmerizing formations can be found floating on the ocean's surface or forming part of sediments on the seafloor. The diversity within Prymnesiophyceae extends further with Acanthoica acanthifera, Coccolithus pelagicus, Florisphaera profunda, Ophiaster formosus, Pontosphaera japonica and others. Each species has its own distinct morphology and ecological significance within marine ecosystems. Scientists have even created models like Kamptnerius magnificus to better understand these remarkable organisms' complex structures and functions. The study not only unravels their evolutionary history but also sheds light on their ecological roles as primary producers supporting marine food webs. From providing essential habitats for other marine life to influencing global climate patterns through carbon fixation processes, Prymnesiophyceae play a vital role in maintaining our planet's health.