Golden algae - Mallomonas
The genus Mallomonas includes only solitary living flagellates without colony forms. The cell has a cover of scales of silicon with needle-like outgrowths. It gives a hairy appearance in the light microscope. The single specie has their own formulation of the scales and the identification is dependant of electron-microscope studies.
The genus Mallomonas occurs in different types of water. The size of the cells varies between 20 -60 my, dependant of the specie.
Video Mallomonas. The video shows the movement of Mallomonas. In the front of the cell you can see the flagella. The two flagella are of different size.
Mallomonas cf. crassisquama. Image taken with electron microscope. The length of the cell is 40 my.
Mallomonas cf. crassisquama. Image taken with electron microscope.
Mallomonas sp. Image taken with electron microscope.