is this the dinophycea Kofoidinium?

Images made through a microscope. All subject types.

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Franz Neidl
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Joined: Wed Jan 14, 2009 11:59 am
Location: Italy

is this the dinophycea Kofoidinium?

Post by Franz Neidl »

I think it most be a relativ of Noctiluca. I show you two specimens (with the diameter 180 µm and 250 µm). The movements in the cell were very fast. Could it be the marine species Kofoidinium (velleloides?)?

Franz


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BJ
Posts: 355
Joined: Sat Sep 29, 2007 10:53 am
Location: England

Post by BJ »

hello Franz,

another fascinating specimen!

I agree that it cannot be Noctiluca, the outline is too irregular. Noctiluca has a smooth envelope or if shrunken shows smooth folds or creases.

So, I agree that it must be a species of Kofoidinium.

Kofoidinium pavillardii, Kofoidinium splendens and Kofoidinium velelloides are recorded from the Mediterranean. But the appearance of each species is so variable that I think even professionals would be reluctant to name your specimen....perhaps a species new to science!!

i am sending you a paper on Kofoidinium by pm, which I think will show you how poorly this genus is known and understood.

I cannot wait for the next member of your amazing menagerie.

best wishes,

Brian

René
Posts: 467
Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2006 4:22 am

Post by René »

I agree with Brian, there are not enough details to get to species. There is more change of preserving them when fixing samples in the field, the appearance of live spec is so variable upon stress. From this image it is going toward the Spathulodinum stage of Kofoidinium (we regard them nowadays as one species), but for K. velleloides it lacks all typical characteristics. It is not at all rare in the North Sea, but often neglected.

Best wishes, René

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