Coccolith 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

Calcareous phytoplankton fossil, SEM Z100 / 0213
Calcareous phytoplankton fossil. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fossil of the skeleton (coccosphere) of a coccolithotrope, a small marine algal organism

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

Calcareous phytoplankton fossil, SEM Z100 / 0212
Calcareous phytoplankton fossil. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fossil of the skeleton (coccosphere) of a coccolithotrope, a small marine algal organism

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

Calcareous phytoplankton fossil, artwork
Calcareous phytoplankton fossil. Artwork of a fossil of the skeleton (coccosphere) of a coccolithotrope, a small marine algal organism

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)

Calcareous phytoplankton plates, SEM
Calcareous phytoplankton plates. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of parts of the skeleton (coccosphere) of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi, a small marine algal organism

Coccoliths, SEM
Coccoliths, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Coccoliths are individual plates of calcium carbonate formed by coccolithophores (single-celled algae)

Marine protozoa shells, SEM
Marine protozoa shells, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The shells (tests) seen here include those of foraminifera, as well as coral spicules, radiolarian tests and cocccoliths

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"Coccolith: The Intricate World of Calcareous Phytoplankton Revealed Through SEM" Delving into the microscopic realm of marine life, we encounter the fascinating world of coccoliths - calcareous phytoplankton that leave an indelible mark on our oceans. Under the scanning electron microscope (SEM), these delicate structures come to life, showcasing their intricate beauty and ecological significance. One such captivating species is Discosphaera tubifera, a coccolithophore known for its distinctive tube-like shape. Its meticulously arranged coccoliths form an elegant armor around its cell, providing protection against predators and environmental stressors. Exploring further, we stumble upon Emiliana huxleyi, another remarkable coccolithophore with its own unique charm. Its intricately sculpted coccoliths create stunning patterns reminiscent of snowflakes or mandalas. These tiny masterpieces not only contribute to global carbon cycling but also play a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight back into space. Moving on to Acanthoica acanthifera, we encounter a mesmerizing coccosphere composed of numerous interconnected coccoliths. This spherical structure acts as both a shield and buoyancy device for this single-celled organism as it drifts through ocean currents. Amongst these diverse forms lies Emiliania huxleyi - one of the most abundant and widespread species in our oceans today. Its exquisite white calcite plates form vast blooms visible from space, leaving an awe-inspiring imprint on our planet's surface. Syracosphaera anthos captures our attention next with its vibrant hues and intricate design. These strikingly beautiful discs are adorned with spines that serve various purposes including defense against grazers and enhancing buoyancy control. Through SEM images like Picture No.