Coccolith case and appendices (arrow=joint with swollen joints), (DIC and PC)
Life-form: Solitary
Size: Diameter c. 3,5-6,5 µm, ordinary coccoliths length 0.9-1,8 µm
Resting spore:
Note:
Distinctive features: Cell with posteriorly placed starlike appendage. Appendage with 5-11 cord-like arms. Spine-bearing coccoliths at flagellar basis
Similar species: Ophiaster formosus
Distribution: Worldwide(?)
Literature:
Gaarder, K. R. 1967. Observations on the genus Ophiaster Gran
(Coccolithineae). Sarsia. 29: 183-192.
Heimdal, B. R. 1993. Modern Coccolithophorids. In: (Tomas eds.) Marine Phytoplankton: a guide to naked flagellates and coccolithophorids. pp. 147-247.
Manton, I. & Oates, K. 1983. Nanoplankton from the Galapagos Islands: two genera of spectacular coccolithophorids (Ophiaster and Calciopappus ), with special emphasis on unmineralized periplast components. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B. 300: 435-462.