Phytoplankton Gallery

Art of Diatom algae (from Ernst Haeckel)

Diatoms. Computer-enhanced engraving of assorted species of diatom. Diatoms are a group of single- celled algae. The two main morphological types of diatom are represented here: pennate (rod-shaped) and centric (rounded). A characteristic feature of diatoms is their intricately patterned, glass-like cell wall, or frustule. The frustule consists of two halves which fit together like the lid and bottom of a box. It is often decorated with rows of tiny holes, known as striae. Diatoms form an important part of the floating plankton in the marine and freshwater food chains. Engraving taken from Ernst Haeckel's famous treatise: "Art Forms of Nature" (1904)

© MEHAU KULYK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Pink algal bloom on Lake Tronah

Pink algal bloom on Lake Tronah. Usually, this lake is the local summer swimming spot. Lake Tronah was formed as the final working site of the Tronah alluvial gold dredge that once worked the upper Ovens valley. Harrietville, Upper Ovens River Valley, northeast Victoria, Australia

Algae, Environmental Issue, Phytoplankton, Pink Water, Water Pollution

Cyanobacteria (Anabaena sp.)

Cyanobacteria (Anabaena sp.), nitrogen-fixing filamentous plankton that forms a symbiotic relationship with certain plants. They produce neurotoxins that harm wildlife, livestock and pets. Magnification X 400

Cells, Filaments, Harmful, Macrophotography, Magnification, Magnified, Microscopy, Nitrogen Fixing, Nostocaceae, Paddyfield Fertiliser, Photomicrography, Phytoplankton, Planktonic, Ricefield Fertiliser