dinoflagellate "star-wars"

James Sutherland · Post by **James Sutherland** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 7:34 pm

Anyway...a spacecraft came to mind as I observed this dinoflagellate glide across the field showing projectiles & plates. My first finding of a living one moving & with pigmentation. The cross-wise groove is visible at the center of the cell. I believe one of the ceratium species ?

Nikon Coolpix 5000
Olympus EH Trinoc
FL 40 (0.75)
no flash

bernhardinho · Post by **bernhardinho** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 8:58 am

Hi James

nice find and nice pic!!

I would vote for Ceratium hirundinella

Cheers Bernhard

James Sutherland · Post by **James Sutherland** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 10:27 pm

Hi Bernhard, and welcome back!
I think your ID is most likely correct. Anyway, when doing a Google on ceratium and looking at the Protista Data Base...that seems to be a good choice for the images showing.
Thanks, Jim

Charles Krebs · Post by **Charles Krebs** » Thu Aug 23, 2007 12:26 am

James...I've seen these in books, and would love to find one myself! Nice find and excellent shot.

James Sutherland · Post by **James Sutherland** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:04 pm

Thanks for looking in Charlie...yes I thought that was a neat catch. Good when you run-across one to show us what it really looks like!
I'll soon be moving to Federal Way, so will be in WA state with you & Rik
Aloha, Jim