1

Marine Phytoplankton

of Kachemak Bay By Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve

INTRODUCTION to PHYTOPLANKTON

This is a guide to aid in the identification of marine phytoplankton found in Kachemak Bay

Alaska

Phytoplankton are not really plants but close They are classified under the Algae group which

sits just next door to plants in the classification of living things Phytoplankton are one-celled

forms of life that float in sunlit surface water (freshwater and salt water) where they convert

solar energy into the food energy that sustains almost all life in marine and estuarine ecosys-

tems They are normally microscopic (less than 100 microns in diameter) A micron is a mil-

lionth of a meter 1000 microns is a millimeter There are two significant groups of phyto-

plankton in Kachemak Bay and adjacent coves bays and estuaries They are diatoms and

dinoflagellates

Diatoms are comprised of a live cell surrounded by a glass cage that resembles a miniscule

boxmdasha bottom that fits snugly into a tight-fitting lidmdashmuch like a hatbox or tube of lipstick

The two box parts are called valves Diatoms are loosely divided into two groupsmdashcentric and

pennate

Centric diatom structure radiates out from the midpoint like a snowflake (radially symmetrical)

and they have a basic body shape that resembles a hockey puck or a gold coin From the top

(valve view) it is round becoming rectangular when viewed from the side (girdle view)

Typically centric diatoms are not mobilemdashhence they flourish in the active surface waters

where waves and currents move them about continually exposing them to new concentrations

of vital nutrients Some centric diatoms form chains by joining adjacent cells Chain formations

as well as spines are adaptations that increase floatation of diatoms in the surface water

Centric diatom_side view These three different centric diatom chains Centric diatom_ side view

with different cell lengths could look

like circles when viewed from the top

2

Pennate diatoms are cigar or kayak shaped tapered at both ends (bilaterally symmetrical)

Most pennates live on or near the bottom (benthic) in nearshore waters Unlike centric diatoms

some pennate diatoms can move They may have a thin slit called a raphe which runs from one

end to the other and is open at both ends The cytoplasm of the cell secretes ions into the water

of the slit at one end creating an osmotic gradient along the raphe that pulls water into the slit

and moves it along to exit from the opposite end This water action results in rather rapid motil-

ity of the diatom by ldquojet propulsionrdquo an important adaptation for obtaining nutrients in a ben-

thic environment

Pennate diatom_side view Pennate diatom _top view

Dinoflalgellates are another form of phytoplankton also one-celled but with a shell of cellu-

lose plates instead of glass A dinoflagellate is basically round with a ldquowaistlinerdquo groove cir-

cling the cell and a second groove running from the waistline to the posterior or back of the

cell One flagellum lies in the waistline groove and causes the cell to twirl while a second fla-

gellum in the posterior groove propels the cell forward Most dinoflagellates are autotrophs

(produce their own food by photosynthesis) whereas a few are -heterotrophs (obtain their food

by capture of autotrophic cells) Some are both autotrophic and heterotrophicmdashin which case

they are called mixotrophes

Protoperidinium_dinoflagellate

Identification of phytoplankton is accomplished by microscopic examination at 100x or 400x With the powerful lens of a microscope you lose depth of field Therefore it helps to crank the objective slowly up and down This will allow you to gain a more distinct view of valve pat-terns spines chloroplasts granules and in pennate diatoms the raphe A common mistake when viewing plankton is to allow too much light to hit your slide from the microscope lamp Adjust the light on your microscope so that the delicate clear borders of the cells become dis-tinct

3

4

Tintinnids Copepod nauplius

copyCatie Bursch

Ciliates

copyCatieBursch

Barnacle na uplius

copy Catie Bu rsch

Protoperidinium spp

Ceratium f urca morphotype

Chaetoceros spp Melosira sp

Navicula morphotype Pleurosigma morphotype

Fragilariopsis spp

Nitzschia morphotype

Entomoneis spp Cylindrotheca closterium

CENTRIC DIATOMS

Illustra tions NOT to Scale Cupp E E 1943 Mari nePl ankton Diatoms of the West Coast of North America Universi ty of Californi a Berkel ey

Tomas C (Ed)1997 Identifyi ng Mari ne Phytopl ankton San Di ego CA

Dinophysis spp

Licmop hora spp

Leptocylindrus spp

Thalassiosira spp Rhizosolenia morphotype

Alexandrium spp

Pseudo-nitzschia spp Thalassionema spp

PENNATE DIATOMS

Illustrations NO T to Scale Cupp EE 1943 Marine Plankton Di atomsof theWest Coast of North Ameri ca Uni versity of Cali fornia Berkeley

Tom as C (Ed) 1997 Identifying Marine PhytoplanktonSan Diego CA

Noctiluca spp

ZOOPLANKTON Illustrations NO T to Scale

Cati e Burs ch Kachemak Bay Research Reserve

Johnson WS Allen D M 2005 Zoopl ankton of the Atlantic and Gul f CoastsA Guide to Their Identi fi cati on and Ecology Baltimore Maryl and

Stephanopyxis spp Odonte lla spp

Ast erionellopsis morphotype

Ditylum spp Coscinodiscus morphotype

DINOFLAGELLATES Illustra tions NOT to Scale Tomas C (Ed)1997 Identifying Mari ne Phytoplankton San Di ego CA

Catie Bursch Kac hemak BayResearc h Reserve

Ceratium fusus morphotype Cerat iu m longip es morphotype

Skeletonema spp

copy Catie Bu rsch

copy Cat ie Bu rsch copy Ca tie Bursch

5162013 PHYTOPLANKTON OF KACHEMAK BAY ALASKA

DIATOMS

Asterionellopsis sp (pennate diatom)

Cells have one end thicker than the other Held together in radial fashion by the thicker ldquoplungerrdquo ends Chloroplasts are clustered in the ldquoplungerrdquo ends Rarely seen

Chaetoceros spp (centric diatom)

We see several species Chaetoceros spp is the dominant group seen in Kachemak Bay in June-July

Every cell has 2 spines on each valve (photo on right) Chains form when spines of adjacent cells fuse together Adjacent cells in the chain donrsquot touchmdashthere is a space be-

tween them Cells are round or elliptical in top view rectangular in side

view Important in marine food cyclemdashno apparent harm to the di-

gestive tracts of predators Cultured for food for bi-valves Extremely damaging to salmon smolt in the Nick Dudiak Fish-

ing Lagoon Spines lacerate delicate gills of small fish During a Chaetoceros bloom cells accumulate in and

clog the gills Spines introduce bacteria to the bloodstream Irritation by spines stimulates mucus production that

cuts off O2 supply Separate chains of Chaetoceros socialis (right) held in globular

formation by invisible tendrils radiating from a structure at the center of an invisible sphere

Coscinodiscus sp (centric diatom) Large round cell when seen from top-view Not often seen in side view but shaped like a hockey puck Coscinodiscus sp controls its buoyancy by releasing oil drop-

lets through large central pore and smaller pores aligned ra-dially and around the circumference

Sometimes filled with chloroplasts and sometimes empty May be confused with single cells of Thallasiosira sp but is

larger Coscinodiscus sp do not form chains 5

DIATOMS

Ditylum sp (centric diatom) Rectangular looking cells with single spine at each end Valve is actually triangular when seen from end-view

Entomoneis sp (pennate diatom)

Distinguished by rectangular chloroplast and cell shape Like all pennates mostly benthic but may get swirled into up-

per water layer

Fragilariopsis sp (pennate diatom) Cells flattened chloroplasts central May occur singly but chain of cells joined side by side is

more common Mostly benthic

Leptocylindrus sp (centric diatom) Cells long straight United in chains with full surface of valves joined No spines nor horns Important oyster food Common in Kachemak Bay in late July and August

Licmophora sp (pennate diatom) Wedge shaped Normally grows attached to seaweed or zooplankton but some-

times breaks loose and floats as plankton Chloroplasts tend to be olive-green

Melosira sp (centric diatom) Pairs and triplets of cells are united in chains at their valve

centers Cells drum-shaped

Navicula morphotype (pennate diatom)

Over 1000 pennate species have this morphotype (shape) Most very small but a few quite large Solitary Kayak shaped with somewhat rounded ends Very active The raphe is usually visible

6

DIATOMS

Nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cell with pointed ends Two chloroplasts centrally located Cytoplasm extends into points of the cell

Ends tend to curve a bit but curvature may not be apparent

Odontella sp (centric diatom) Note terminal horns in the enlarged photo at right Cells may occur singly or in straight or zigzag chains Numerous chloroplasts lay against the valve walls

Pleurosigma morphotype (pennate diatom)

Name from Gr Pleura=rib and sigma=S-shaped Very large pennate diatom Ends always bluntmdashnever pointedmdashand they usually flex in

opposite directions Bending and direction may not be visible when viewed sideways

Pseudo-nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cells with two chloroplasts in the center Usually joined in chains with overlapping ends but the overlap may not be obvious if specimen is oriented somewhat sideways There are five cells in chain in photo on right Single cells do occur Only diatom that is toxic to humans by producing domoic acid (DA) Humans may develop Amnesic Shellfish Poison-ing (ASP) after eating shellfish (crabs clams mussels) con-taminated with domoic acid

All species of Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid but at different levels and times

One of the species found in Kachemak Bay Pseudo-nitzschia australis is a typical DA producer P australis is found all around the world

Photo close-up shows the distinct overlapping feature

Rhizosolenia sp (centric diatom) Cylindrical sometimes clear with no chloroplasts Local species seem to be very large and long but some spe-

cies are short Spines on end look slightly crooked or bent

7

DIATOMS

Skeletonema sp (centric diatom)

In photo slanted downward across the top from upper left Cells are very tiny but may be confused with larger Stephano-

pyxis (in photo at right slanting upward from lower left) Adjacent cells do not touch but are connected by a cluster of

hollow spines Good food source for oysters and zooplankton

Stephanopyxis sp (centric diatom) In photo above slanting sharply upward from lower left Valve margins circled by ring of stout spines nearly parallel

with the central axis Adjacent cells do not touch

Thalassionema sp (pennate diatom)

Rectangular cells joined randomly in zigzag chains by gelati-nous cushion at valve corners

Internal structure usually not visible but chloroplasts scattered throughout

Thalassiosira sp (centric diatom) United in flexible chains by single strand of gelatinous thread

connecting center of adjacent cells (chain at right) Single cells resemble Coscinodiscus in top-view but chloro-

plasts larger in comparison to cell size in Thalassiosira sp

8

DINOFLAGELLATES

Alexandrium sp Very small cell Like most dinoflagellates Alexandrium has two flagella One

lies in a groove circling the ldquowaistlinerdquo of the cell while the other lies in a backward facing groove

The two flagella are responsible for spinning motion that pro-pels the cell through the water

Waistline groove is deep and cell is densely pigmented reddish -brown

May occur singly or in chains and (like other dinoflagellates) may be bioluminescent occasionally producing a red or brown glow in the water (red tide)

Ceratium furca morphotype Ceratium is a genus of dinoflagellates with three hornsmdashone at

the anterior pole of the cell and two at the posterior pole The two posterior horns of C furca are relatively straight and

apear parallel to one another but may be flexed outward some-what

Ceratium fusus morphotype C fusus has two prominent horns the third horn is a rudimen-

tary stub

Ceratium longipes morphotype

The posterior horns on this species are severely flexed forward

and are sometimes long and curved

Dinophysis sp

Has unique collar and wing-like structure on the side Common in Kachemak Bay tows and are very active Multiple species of Dinophysis produce a toxin okadaic acid

which causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning DSP DSP is not fatal but causes intestinal discomfort in humans

from eating shellfish which have eaten the toxic Dinophysis

9

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

INTRODUCTION to PHYTOPLANKTON

This is a guide to aid in the identification of marine phytoplankton found in Kachemak Bay

Alaska

Phytoplankton are not really plants but close They are classified under the Algae group which

sits just next door to plants in the classification of living things Phytoplankton are one-celled

forms of life that float in sunlit surface water (freshwater and salt water) where they convert

solar energy into the food energy that sustains almost all life in marine and estuarine ecosys-

tems They are normally microscopic (less than 100 microns in diameter) A micron is a mil-

lionth of a meter 1000 microns is a millimeter There are two significant groups of phyto-

plankton in Kachemak Bay and adjacent coves bays and estuaries They are diatoms and

dinoflagellates

Diatoms are comprised of a live cell surrounded by a glass cage that resembles a miniscule

boxmdasha bottom that fits snugly into a tight-fitting lidmdashmuch like a hatbox or tube of lipstick

The two box parts are called valves Diatoms are loosely divided into two groupsmdashcentric and

pennate

Centric diatom structure radiates out from the midpoint like a snowflake (radially symmetrical)

and they have a basic body shape that resembles a hockey puck or a gold coin From the top

(valve view) it is round becoming rectangular when viewed from the side (girdle view)

Typically centric diatoms are not mobilemdashhence they flourish in the active surface waters

where waves and currents move them about continually exposing them to new concentrations

of vital nutrients Some centric diatoms form chains by joining adjacent cells Chain formations

as well as spines are adaptations that increase floatation of diatoms in the surface water

Centric diatom_side view These three different centric diatom chains Centric diatom_ side view

with different cell lengths could look

like circles when viewed from the top

2

Pennate diatoms are cigar or kayak shaped tapered at both ends (bilaterally symmetrical)

Most pennates live on or near the bottom (benthic) in nearshore waters Unlike centric diatoms

some pennate diatoms can move They may have a thin slit called a raphe which runs from one

end to the other and is open at both ends The cytoplasm of the cell secretes ions into the water

of the slit at one end creating an osmotic gradient along the raphe that pulls water into the slit

and moves it along to exit from the opposite end This water action results in rather rapid motil-

ity of the diatom by ldquojet propulsionrdquo an important adaptation for obtaining nutrients in a ben-

thic environment

Pennate diatom_side view Pennate diatom _top view

Dinoflalgellates are another form of phytoplankton also one-celled but with a shell of cellu-

lose plates instead of glass A dinoflagellate is basically round with a ldquowaistlinerdquo groove cir-

cling the cell and a second groove running from the waistline to the posterior or back of the

cell One flagellum lies in the waistline groove and causes the cell to twirl while a second fla-

gellum in the posterior groove propels the cell forward Most dinoflagellates are autotrophs

(produce their own food by photosynthesis) whereas a few are -heterotrophs (obtain their food

by capture of autotrophic cells) Some are both autotrophic and heterotrophicmdashin which case

they are called mixotrophes

Protoperidinium_dinoflagellate

Identification of phytoplankton is accomplished by microscopic examination at 100x or 400x With the powerful lens of a microscope you lose depth of field Therefore it helps to crank the objective slowly up and down This will allow you to gain a more distinct view of valve pat-terns spines chloroplasts granules and in pennate diatoms the raphe A common mistake when viewing plankton is to allow too much light to hit your slide from the microscope lamp Adjust the light on your microscope so that the delicate clear borders of the cells become dis-tinct

3

4

Tintinnids Copepod nauplius

copyCatie Bursch

Ciliates

copyCatieBursch

Barnacle na uplius

copy Catie Bu rsch

Protoperidinium spp

Ceratium f urca morphotype

Chaetoceros spp Melosira sp

Navicula morphotype Pleurosigma morphotype

Fragilariopsis spp

Nitzschia morphotype

Entomoneis spp Cylindrotheca closterium

CENTRIC DIATOMS

Illustra tions NOT to Scale Cupp E E 1943 Mari nePl ankton Diatoms of the West Coast of North America Universi ty of Californi a Berkel ey

Tomas C (Ed)1997 Identifyi ng Mari ne Phytopl ankton San Di ego CA

Dinophysis spp

Licmop hora spp

Leptocylindrus spp

Thalassiosira spp Rhizosolenia morphotype

Alexandrium spp

Pseudo-nitzschia spp Thalassionema spp

PENNATE DIATOMS

Illustrations NO T to Scale Cupp EE 1943 Marine Plankton Di atomsof theWest Coast of North Ameri ca Uni versity of Cali fornia Berkeley

Tom as C (Ed) 1997 Identifying Marine PhytoplanktonSan Diego CA

Noctiluca spp

ZOOPLANKTON Illustrations NO T to Scale

Cati e Burs ch Kachemak Bay Research Reserve

Johnson WS Allen D M 2005 Zoopl ankton of the Atlantic and Gul f CoastsA Guide to Their Identi fi cati on and Ecology Baltimore Maryl and

Stephanopyxis spp Odonte lla spp

Ast erionellopsis morphotype

Ditylum spp Coscinodiscus morphotype

DINOFLAGELLATES Illustra tions NOT to Scale Tomas C (Ed)1997 Identifying Mari ne Phytoplankton San Di ego CA

Catie Bursch Kac hemak BayResearc h Reserve

Ceratium fusus morphotype Cerat iu m longip es morphotype

Skeletonema spp

copy Catie Bu rsch

copy Cat ie Bu rsch copy Ca tie Bursch

5162013 PHYTOPLANKTON OF KACHEMAK BAY ALASKA

DIATOMS

Asterionellopsis sp (pennate diatom)

Cells have one end thicker than the other Held together in radial fashion by the thicker ldquoplungerrdquo ends Chloroplasts are clustered in the ldquoplungerrdquo ends Rarely seen

Chaetoceros spp (centric diatom)

We see several species Chaetoceros spp is the dominant group seen in Kachemak Bay in June-July

Every cell has 2 spines on each valve (photo on right) Chains form when spines of adjacent cells fuse together Adjacent cells in the chain donrsquot touchmdashthere is a space be-

tween them Cells are round or elliptical in top view rectangular in side

view Important in marine food cyclemdashno apparent harm to the di-

gestive tracts of predators Cultured for food for bi-valves Extremely damaging to salmon smolt in the Nick Dudiak Fish-

ing Lagoon Spines lacerate delicate gills of small fish During a Chaetoceros bloom cells accumulate in and

clog the gills Spines introduce bacteria to the bloodstream Irritation by spines stimulates mucus production that

cuts off O2 supply Separate chains of Chaetoceros socialis (right) held in globular

formation by invisible tendrils radiating from a structure at the center of an invisible sphere

Coscinodiscus sp (centric diatom) Large round cell when seen from top-view Not often seen in side view but shaped like a hockey puck Coscinodiscus sp controls its buoyancy by releasing oil drop-

lets through large central pore and smaller pores aligned ra-dially and around the circumference

Sometimes filled with chloroplasts and sometimes empty May be confused with single cells of Thallasiosira sp but is

larger Coscinodiscus sp do not form chains 5

DIATOMS

Ditylum sp (centric diatom) Rectangular looking cells with single spine at each end Valve is actually triangular when seen from end-view

Entomoneis sp (pennate diatom)

Distinguished by rectangular chloroplast and cell shape Like all pennates mostly benthic but may get swirled into up-

per water layer

Fragilariopsis sp (pennate diatom) Cells flattened chloroplasts central May occur singly but chain of cells joined side by side is

more common Mostly benthic

Leptocylindrus sp (centric diatom) Cells long straight United in chains with full surface of valves joined No spines nor horns Important oyster food Common in Kachemak Bay in late July and August

Licmophora sp (pennate diatom) Wedge shaped Normally grows attached to seaweed or zooplankton but some-

times breaks loose and floats as plankton Chloroplasts tend to be olive-green

Melosira sp (centric diatom) Pairs and triplets of cells are united in chains at their valve

centers Cells drum-shaped

Navicula morphotype (pennate diatom)

Over 1000 pennate species have this morphotype (shape) Most very small but a few quite large Solitary Kayak shaped with somewhat rounded ends Very active The raphe is usually visible

6

DIATOMS

Nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cell with pointed ends Two chloroplasts centrally located Cytoplasm extends into points of the cell

Ends tend to curve a bit but curvature may not be apparent

Odontella sp (centric diatom) Note terminal horns in the enlarged photo at right Cells may occur singly or in straight or zigzag chains Numerous chloroplasts lay against the valve walls

Pleurosigma morphotype (pennate diatom)

Name from Gr Pleura=rib and sigma=S-shaped Very large pennate diatom Ends always bluntmdashnever pointedmdashand they usually flex in

opposite directions Bending and direction may not be visible when viewed sideways

Pseudo-nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cells with two chloroplasts in the center Usually joined in chains with overlapping ends but the overlap may not be obvious if specimen is oriented somewhat sideways There are five cells in chain in photo on right Single cells do occur Only diatom that is toxic to humans by producing domoic acid (DA) Humans may develop Amnesic Shellfish Poison-ing (ASP) after eating shellfish (crabs clams mussels) con-taminated with domoic acid

All species of Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid but at different levels and times

One of the species found in Kachemak Bay Pseudo-nitzschia australis is a typical DA producer P australis is found all around the world

Photo close-up shows the distinct overlapping feature

Rhizosolenia sp (centric diatom) Cylindrical sometimes clear with no chloroplasts Local species seem to be very large and long but some spe-

cies are short Spines on end look slightly crooked or bent

7

DIATOMS

Skeletonema sp (centric diatom)

In photo slanted downward across the top from upper left Cells are very tiny but may be confused with larger Stephano-

pyxis (in photo at right slanting upward from lower left) Adjacent cells do not touch but are connected by a cluster of

hollow spines Good food source for oysters and zooplankton

Stephanopyxis sp (centric diatom) In photo above slanting sharply upward from lower left Valve margins circled by ring of stout spines nearly parallel

with the central axis Adjacent cells do not touch

Thalassionema sp (pennate diatom)

Rectangular cells joined randomly in zigzag chains by gelati-nous cushion at valve corners

Internal structure usually not visible but chloroplasts scattered throughout

Thalassiosira sp (centric diatom) United in flexible chains by single strand of gelatinous thread

connecting center of adjacent cells (chain at right) Single cells resemble Coscinodiscus in top-view but chloro-

plasts larger in comparison to cell size in Thalassiosira sp

8

DINOFLAGELLATES

Alexandrium sp Very small cell Like most dinoflagellates Alexandrium has two flagella One

lies in a groove circling the ldquowaistlinerdquo of the cell while the other lies in a backward facing groove

The two flagella are responsible for spinning motion that pro-pels the cell through the water

Waistline groove is deep and cell is densely pigmented reddish -brown

May occur singly or in chains and (like other dinoflagellates) may be bioluminescent occasionally producing a red or brown glow in the water (red tide)

Ceratium furca morphotype Ceratium is a genus of dinoflagellates with three hornsmdashone at

the anterior pole of the cell and two at the posterior pole The two posterior horns of C furca are relatively straight and

apear parallel to one another but may be flexed outward some-what

Ceratium fusus morphotype C fusus has two prominent horns the third horn is a rudimen-

tary stub

Ceratium longipes morphotype

The posterior horns on this species are severely flexed forward

and are sometimes long and curved

Dinophysis sp

Has unique collar and wing-like structure on the side Common in Kachemak Bay tows and are very active Multiple species of Dinophysis produce a toxin okadaic acid

which causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning DSP DSP is not fatal but causes intestinal discomfort in humans

from eating shellfish which have eaten the toxic Dinophysis

9

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

Pennate diatoms are cigar or kayak shaped tapered at both ends (bilaterally symmetrical)

Most pennates live on or near the bottom (benthic) in nearshore waters Unlike centric diatoms

some pennate diatoms can move They may have a thin slit called a raphe which runs from one

end to the other and is open at both ends The cytoplasm of the cell secretes ions into the water

of the slit at one end creating an osmotic gradient along the raphe that pulls water into the slit

and moves it along to exit from the opposite end This water action results in rather rapid motil-

ity of the diatom by ldquojet propulsionrdquo an important adaptation for obtaining nutrients in a ben-

thic environment

Pennate diatom_side view Pennate diatom _top view

Dinoflalgellates are another form of phytoplankton also one-celled but with a shell of cellu-

lose plates instead of glass A dinoflagellate is basically round with a ldquowaistlinerdquo groove cir-

cling the cell and a second groove running from the waistline to the posterior or back of the

cell One flagellum lies in the waistline groove and causes the cell to twirl while a second fla-

gellum in the posterior groove propels the cell forward Most dinoflagellates are autotrophs

(produce their own food by photosynthesis) whereas a few are -heterotrophs (obtain their food

by capture of autotrophic cells) Some are both autotrophic and heterotrophicmdashin which case

they are called mixotrophes

Protoperidinium_dinoflagellate

Identification of phytoplankton is accomplished by microscopic examination at 100x or 400x With the powerful lens of a microscope you lose depth of field Therefore it helps to crank the objective slowly up and down This will allow you to gain a more distinct view of valve pat-terns spines chloroplasts granules and in pennate diatoms the raphe A common mistake when viewing plankton is to allow too much light to hit your slide from the microscope lamp Adjust the light on your microscope so that the delicate clear borders of the cells become dis-tinct

3

4

Tintinnids Copepod nauplius

copyCatie Bursch

Ciliates

copyCatieBursch

Barnacle na uplius

copy Catie Bu rsch

Protoperidinium spp

Ceratium f urca morphotype

Chaetoceros spp Melosira sp

Navicula morphotype Pleurosigma morphotype

Fragilariopsis spp

Nitzschia morphotype

Entomoneis spp Cylindrotheca closterium

CENTRIC DIATOMS

Illustra tions NOT to Scale Cupp E E 1943 Mari nePl ankton Diatoms of the West Coast of North America Universi ty of Californi a Berkel ey

Tomas C (Ed)1997 Identifyi ng Mari ne Phytopl ankton San Di ego CA

Dinophysis spp

Licmop hora spp

Leptocylindrus spp

Thalassiosira spp Rhizosolenia morphotype

Alexandrium spp

Pseudo-nitzschia spp Thalassionema spp

PENNATE DIATOMS

Illustrations NO T to Scale Cupp EE 1943 Marine Plankton Di atomsof theWest Coast of North Ameri ca Uni versity of Cali fornia Berkeley

Tom as C (Ed) 1997 Identifying Marine PhytoplanktonSan Diego CA

Noctiluca spp

ZOOPLANKTON Illustrations NO T to Scale

Cati e Burs ch Kachemak Bay Research Reserve

Johnson WS Allen D M 2005 Zoopl ankton of the Atlantic and Gul f CoastsA Guide to Their Identi fi cati on and Ecology Baltimore Maryl and

Stephanopyxis spp Odonte lla spp

Ast erionellopsis morphotype

Ditylum spp Coscinodiscus morphotype

DINOFLAGELLATES Illustra tions NOT to Scale Tomas C (Ed)1997 Identifying Mari ne Phytoplankton San Di ego CA

Catie Bursch Kac hemak BayResearc h Reserve

Ceratium fusus morphotype Cerat iu m longip es morphotype

Skeletonema spp

copy Catie Bu rsch

copy Cat ie Bu rsch copy Ca tie Bursch

5162013 PHYTOPLANKTON OF KACHEMAK BAY ALASKA

DIATOMS

Asterionellopsis sp (pennate diatom)

Cells have one end thicker than the other Held together in radial fashion by the thicker ldquoplungerrdquo ends Chloroplasts are clustered in the ldquoplungerrdquo ends Rarely seen

Chaetoceros spp (centric diatom)

We see several species Chaetoceros spp is the dominant group seen in Kachemak Bay in June-July

Every cell has 2 spines on each valve (photo on right) Chains form when spines of adjacent cells fuse together Adjacent cells in the chain donrsquot touchmdashthere is a space be-

tween them Cells are round or elliptical in top view rectangular in side

view Important in marine food cyclemdashno apparent harm to the di-

gestive tracts of predators Cultured for food for bi-valves Extremely damaging to salmon smolt in the Nick Dudiak Fish-

ing Lagoon Spines lacerate delicate gills of small fish During a Chaetoceros bloom cells accumulate in and

clog the gills Spines introduce bacteria to the bloodstream Irritation by spines stimulates mucus production that

cuts off O2 supply Separate chains of Chaetoceros socialis (right) held in globular

formation by invisible tendrils radiating from a structure at the center of an invisible sphere

Coscinodiscus sp (centric diatom) Large round cell when seen from top-view Not often seen in side view but shaped like a hockey puck Coscinodiscus sp controls its buoyancy by releasing oil drop-

lets through large central pore and smaller pores aligned ra-dially and around the circumference

Sometimes filled with chloroplasts and sometimes empty May be confused with single cells of Thallasiosira sp but is

larger Coscinodiscus sp do not form chains 5

DIATOMS

Ditylum sp (centric diatom) Rectangular looking cells with single spine at each end Valve is actually triangular when seen from end-view

Entomoneis sp (pennate diatom)

Distinguished by rectangular chloroplast and cell shape Like all pennates mostly benthic but may get swirled into up-

per water layer

Fragilariopsis sp (pennate diatom) Cells flattened chloroplasts central May occur singly but chain of cells joined side by side is

more common Mostly benthic

Leptocylindrus sp (centric diatom) Cells long straight United in chains with full surface of valves joined No spines nor horns Important oyster food Common in Kachemak Bay in late July and August

Licmophora sp (pennate diatom) Wedge shaped Normally grows attached to seaweed or zooplankton but some-

times breaks loose and floats as plankton Chloroplasts tend to be olive-green

Melosira sp (centric diatom) Pairs and triplets of cells are united in chains at their valve

centers Cells drum-shaped

Navicula morphotype (pennate diatom)

Over 1000 pennate species have this morphotype (shape) Most very small but a few quite large Solitary Kayak shaped with somewhat rounded ends Very active The raphe is usually visible

6

DIATOMS

Nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cell with pointed ends Two chloroplasts centrally located Cytoplasm extends into points of the cell

Ends tend to curve a bit but curvature may not be apparent

Odontella sp (centric diatom) Note terminal horns in the enlarged photo at right Cells may occur singly or in straight or zigzag chains Numerous chloroplasts lay against the valve walls

Pleurosigma morphotype (pennate diatom)

Name from Gr Pleura=rib and sigma=S-shaped Very large pennate diatom Ends always bluntmdashnever pointedmdashand they usually flex in

opposite directions Bending and direction may not be visible when viewed sideways

Pseudo-nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cells with two chloroplasts in the center Usually joined in chains with overlapping ends but the overlap may not be obvious if specimen is oriented somewhat sideways There are five cells in chain in photo on right Single cells do occur Only diatom that is toxic to humans by producing domoic acid (DA) Humans may develop Amnesic Shellfish Poison-ing (ASP) after eating shellfish (crabs clams mussels) con-taminated with domoic acid

All species of Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid but at different levels and times

One of the species found in Kachemak Bay Pseudo-nitzschia australis is a typical DA producer P australis is found all around the world

Photo close-up shows the distinct overlapping feature

Rhizosolenia sp (centric diatom) Cylindrical sometimes clear with no chloroplasts Local species seem to be very large and long but some spe-

cies are short Spines on end look slightly crooked or bent

7

DIATOMS

Skeletonema sp (centric diatom)

In photo slanted downward across the top from upper left Cells are very tiny but may be confused with larger Stephano-

pyxis (in photo at right slanting upward from lower left) Adjacent cells do not touch but are connected by a cluster of

hollow spines Good food source for oysters and zooplankton

Stephanopyxis sp (centric diatom) In photo above slanting sharply upward from lower left Valve margins circled by ring of stout spines nearly parallel

with the central axis Adjacent cells do not touch

Thalassionema sp (pennate diatom)

Rectangular cells joined randomly in zigzag chains by gelati-nous cushion at valve corners

Internal structure usually not visible but chloroplasts scattered throughout

Thalassiosira sp (centric diatom) United in flexible chains by single strand of gelatinous thread

connecting center of adjacent cells (chain at right) Single cells resemble Coscinodiscus in top-view but chloro-

plasts larger in comparison to cell size in Thalassiosira sp

8

DINOFLAGELLATES

Alexandrium sp Very small cell Like most dinoflagellates Alexandrium has two flagella One

lies in a groove circling the ldquowaistlinerdquo of the cell while the other lies in a backward facing groove

The two flagella are responsible for spinning motion that pro-pels the cell through the water

Waistline groove is deep and cell is densely pigmented reddish -brown

May occur singly or in chains and (like other dinoflagellates) may be bioluminescent occasionally producing a red or brown glow in the water (red tide)

Ceratium furca morphotype Ceratium is a genus of dinoflagellates with three hornsmdashone at

the anterior pole of the cell and two at the posterior pole The two posterior horns of C furca are relatively straight and

apear parallel to one another but may be flexed outward some-what

Ceratium fusus morphotype C fusus has two prominent horns the third horn is a rudimen-

tary stub

Ceratium longipes morphotype

The posterior horns on this species are severely flexed forward

and are sometimes long and curved

Dinophysis sp

Has unique collar and wing-like structure on the side Common in Kachemak Bay tows and are very active Multiple species of Dinophysis produce a toxin okadaic acid

which causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning DSP DSP is not fatal but causes intestinal discomfort in humans

from eating shellfish which have eaten the toxic Dinophysis

9

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

4

Tintinnids Copepod nauplius

copyCatie Bursch

Ciliates

copyCatieBursch

Barnacle na uplius

copy Catie Bu rsch

Protoperidinium spp

Ceratium f urca morphotype

Chaetoceros spp Melosira sp

Navicula morphotype Pleurosigma morphotype

Fragilariopsis spp

Nitzschia morphotype

Entomoneis spp Cylindrotheca closterium

CENTRIC DIATOMS

Illustra tions NOT to Scale Cupp E E 1943 Mari nePl ankton Diatoms of the West Coast of North America Universi ty of Californi a Berkel ey

Tomas C (Ed)1997 Identifyi ng Mari ne Phytopl ankton San Di ego CA

Dinophysis spp

Licmop hora spp

Leptocylindrus spp

Thalassiosira spp Rhizosolenia morphotype

Alexandrium spp

Pseudo-nitzschia spp Thalassionema spp

PENNATE DIATOMS

Illustrations NO T to Scale Cupp EE 1943 Marine Plankton Di atomsof theWest Coast of North Ameri ca Uni versity of Cali fornia Berkeley

Tom as C (Ed) 1997 Identifying Marine PhytoplanktonSan Diego CA

Noctiluca spp

ZOOPLANKTON Illustrations NO T to Scale

Cati e Burs ch Kachemak Bay Research Reserve

Johnson WS Allen D M 2005 Zoopl ankton of the Atlantic and Gul f CoastsA Guide to Their Identi fi cati on and Ecology Baltimore Maryl and

Stephanopyxis spp Odonte lla spp

Ast erionellopsis morphotype

Ditylum spp Coscinodiscus morphotype

DINOFLAGELLATES Illustra tions NOT to Scale Tomas C (Ed)1997 Identifying Mari ne Phytoplankton San Di ego CA

Catie Bursch Kac hemak BayResearc h Reserve

Ceratium fusus morphotype Cerat iu m longip es morphotype

Skeletonema spp

copy Catie Bu rsch

copy Cat ie Bu rsch copy Ca tie Bursch

5162013 PHYTOPLANKTON OF KACHEMAK BAY ALASKA

DIATOMS

Asterionellopsis sp (pennate diatom)

Cells have one end thicker than the other Held together in radial fashion by the thicker ldquoplungerrdquo ends Chloroplasts are clustered in the ldquoplungerrdquo ends Rarely seen

Chaetoceros spp (centric diatom)

We see several species Chaetoceros spp is the dominant group seen in Kachemak Bay in June-July

Every cell has 2 spines on each valve (photo on right) Chains form when spines of adjacent cells fuse together Adjacent cells in the chain donrsquot touchmdashthere is a space be-

tween them Cells are round or elliptical in top view rectangular in side

view Important in marine food cyclemdashno apparent harm to the di-

gestive tracts of predators Cultured for food for bi-valves Extremely damaging to salmon smolt in the Nick Dudiak Fish-

ing Lagoon Spines lacerate delicate gills of small fish During a Chaetoceros bloom cells accumulate in and

clog the gills Spines introduce bacteria to the bloodstream Irritation by spines stimulates mucus production that

cuts off O2 supply Separate chains of Chaetoceros socialis (right) held in globular

formation by invisible tendrils radiating from a structure at the center of an invisible sphere

Coscinodiscus sp (centric diatom) Large round cell when seen from top-view Not often seen in side view but shaped like a hockey puck Coscinodiscus sp controls its buoyancy by releasing oil drop-

lets through large central pore and smaller pores aligned ra-dially and around the circumference

Sometimes filled with chloroplasts and sometimes empty May be confused with single cells of Thallasiosira sp but is

larger Coscinodiscus sp do not form chains 5

DIATOMS

Ditylum sp (centric diatom) Rectangular looking cells with single spine at each end Valve is actually triangular when seen from end-view

Entomoneis sp (pennate diatom)

Distinguished by rectangular chloroplast and cell shape Like all pennates mostly benthic but may get swirled into up-

per water layer

Fragilariopsis sp (pennate diatom) Cells flattened chloroplasts central May occur singly but chain of cells joined side by side is

more common Mostly benthic

Leptocylindrus sp (centric diatom) Cells long straight United in chains with full surface of valves joined No spines nor horns Important oyster food Common in Kachemak Bay in late July and August

Licmophora sp (pennate diatom) Wedge shaped Normally grows attached to seaweed or zooplankton but some-

times breaks loose and floats as plankton Chloroplasts tend to be olive-green

Melosira sp (centric diatom) Pairs and triplets of cells are united in chains at their valve

centers Cells drum-shaped

Navicula morphotype (pennate diatom)

Over 1000 pennate species have this morphotype (shape) Most very small but a few quite large Solitary Kayak shaped with somewhat rounded ends Very active The raphe is usually visible

6

DIATOMS

Nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cell with pointed ends Two chloroplasts centrally located Cytoplasm extends into points of the cell

Ends tend to curve a bit but curvature may not be apparent

Odontella sp (centric diatom) Note terminal horns in the enlarged photo at right Cells may occur singly or in straight or zigzag chains Numerous chloroplasts lay against the valve walls

Pleurosigma morphotype (pennate diatom)

Name from Gr Pleura=rib and sigma=S-shaped Very large pennate diatom Ends always bluntmdashnever pointedmdashand they usually flex in

opposite directions Bending and direction may not be visible when viewed sideways

Pseudo-nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cells with two chloroplasts in the center Usually joined in chains with overlapping ends but the overlap may not be obvious if specimen is oriented somewhat sideways There are five cells in chain in photo on right Single cells do occur Only diatom that is toxic to humans by producing domoic acid (DA) Humans may develop Amnesic Shellfish Poison-ing (ASP) after eating shellfish (crabs clams mussels) con-taminated with domoic acid

All species of Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid but at different levels and times

One of the species found in Kachemak Bay Pseudo-nitzschia australis is a typical DA producer P australis is found all around the world

Photo close-up shows the distinct overlapping feature

Rhizosolenia sp (centric diatom) Cylindrical sometimes clear with no chloroplasts Local species seem to be very large and long but some spe-

cies are short Spines on end look slightly crooked or bent

7

DIATOMS

Skeletonema sp (centric diatom)

In photo slanted downward across the top from upper left Cells are very tiny but may be confused with larger Stephano-

pyxis (in photo at right slanting upward from lower left) Adjacent cells do not touch but are connected by a cluster of

hollow spines Good food source for oysters and zooplankton

Stephanopyxis sp (centric diatom) In photo above slanting sharply upward from lower left Valve margins circled by ring of stout spines nearly parallel

with the central axis Adjacent cells do not touch

Thalassionema sp (pennate diatom)

Rectangular cells joined randomly in zigzag chains by gelati-nous cushion at valve corners

Internal structure usually not visible but chloroplasts scattered throughout

Thalassiosira sp (centric diatom) United in flexible chains by single strand of gelatinous thread

connecting center of adjacent cells (chain at right) Single cells resemble Coscinodiscus in top-view but chloro-

plasts larger in comparison to cell size in Thalassiosira sp

8

DINOFLAGELLATES

Alexandrium sp Very small cell Like most dinoflagellates Alexandrium has two flagella One

lies in a groove circling the ldquowaistlinerdquo of the cell while the other lies in a backward facing groove

The two flagella are responsible for spinning motion that pro-pels the cell through the water

Waistline groove is deep and cell is densely pigmented reddish -brown

May occur singly or in chains and (like other dinoflagellates) may be bioluminescent occasionally producing a red or brown glow in the water (red tide)

Ceratium furca morphotype Ceratium is a genus of dinoflagellates with three hornsmdashone at

the anterior pole of the cell and two at the posterior pole The two posterior horns of C furca are relatively straight and

apear parallel to one another but may be flexed outward some-what

Ceratium fusus morphotype C fusus has two prominent horns the third horn is a rudimen-

tary stub

Ceratium longipes morphotype

The posterior horns on this species are severely flexed forward

and are sometimes long and curved

Dinophysis sp

Has unique collar and wing-like structure on the side Common in Kachemak Bay tows and are very active Multiple species of Dinophysis produce a toxin okadaic acid

which causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning DSP DSP is not fatal but causes intestinal discomfort in humans

from eating shellfish which have eaten the toxic Dinophysis

9

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

5162013 PHYTOPLANKTON OF KACHEMAK BAY ALASKA

DIATOMS

Asterionellopsis sp (pennate diatom)

Cells have one end thicker than the other Held together in radial fashion by the thicker ldquoplungerrdquo ends Chloroplasts are clustered in the ldquoplungerrdquo ends Rarely seen

Chaetoceros spp (centric diatom)

We see several species Chaetoceros spp is the dominant group seen in Kachemak Bay in June-July

Every cell has 2 spines on each valve (photo on right) Chains form when spines of adjacent cells fuse together Adjacent cells in the chain donrsquot touchmdashthere is a space be-

tween them Cells are round or elliptical in top view rectangular in side

view Important in marine food cyclemdashno apparent harm to the di-

gestive tracts of predators Cultured for food for bi-valves Extremely damaging to salmon smolt in the Nick Dudiak Fish-

ing Lagoon Spines lacerate delicate gills of small fish During a Chaetoceros bloom cells accumulate in and

clog the gills Spines introduce bacteria to the bloodstream Irritation by spines stimulates mucus production that

cuts off O2 supply Separate chains of Chaetoceros socialis (right) held in globular

formation by invisible tendrils radiating from a structure at the center of an invisible sphere

Coscinodiscus sp (centric diatom) Large round cell when seen from top-view Not often seen in side view but shaped like a hockey puck Coscinodiscus sp controls its buoyancy by releasing oil drop-

lets through large central pore and smaller pores aligned ra-dially and around the circumference

Sometimes filled with chloroplasts and sometimes empty May be confused with single cells of Thallasiosira sp but is

larger Coscinodiscus sp do not form chains 5

DIATOMS

Ditylum sp (centric diatom) Rectangular looking cells with single spine at each end Valve is actually triangular when seen from end-view

Entomoneis sp (pennate diatom)

Distinguished by rectangular chloroplast and cell shape Like all pennates mostly benthic but may get swirled into up-

per water layer

Fragilariopsis sp (pennate diatom) Cells flattened chloroplasts central May occur singly but chain of cells joined side by side is

more common Mostly benthic

Leptocylindrus sp (centric diatom) Cells long straight United in chains with full surface of valves joined No spines nor horns Important oyster food Common in Kachemak Bay in late July and August

Licmophora sp (pennate diatom) Wedge shaped Normally grows attached to seaweed or zooplankton but some-

times breaks loose and floats as plankton Chloroplasts tend to be olive-green

Melosira sp (centric diatom) Pairs and triplets of cells are united in chains at their valve

centers Cells drum-shaped

Navicula morphotype (pennate diatom)

Over 1000 pennate species have this morphotype (shape) Most very small but a few quite large Solitary Kayak shaped with somewhat rounded ends Very active The raphe is usually visible

6

DIATOMS

Nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cell with pointed ends Two chloroplasts centrally located Cytoplasm extends into points of the cell

Ends tend to curve a bit but curvature may not be apparent

Odontella sp (centric diatom) Note terminal horns in the enlarged photo at right Cells may occur singly or in straight or zigzag chains Numerous chloroplasts lay against the valve walls

Pleurosigma morphotype (pennate diatom)

Name from Gr Pleura=rib and sigma=S-shaped Very large pennate diatom Ends always bluntmdashnever pointedmdashand they usually flex in

opposite directions Bending and direction may not be visible when viewed sideways

Pseudo-nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cells with two chloroplasts in the center Usually joined in chains with overlapping ends but the overlap may not be obvious if specimen is oriented somewhat sideways There are five cells in chain in photo on right Single cells do occur Only diatom that is toxic to humans by producing domoic acid (DA) Humans may develop Amnesic Shellfish Poison-ing (ASP) after eating shellfish (crabs clams mussels) con-taminated with domoic acid

All species of Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid but at different levels and times

One of the species found in Kachemak Bay Pseudo-nitzschia australis is a typical DA producer P australis is found all around the world

Photo close-up shows the distinct overlapping feature

Rhizosolenia sp (centric diatom) Cylindrical sometimes clear with no chloroplasts Local species seem to be very large and long but some spe-

cies are short Spines on end look slightly crooked or bent

7

DIATOMS

Skeletonema sp (centric diatom)

In photo slanted downward across the top from upper left Cells are very tiny but may be confused with larger Stephano-

pyxis (in photo at right slanting upward from lower left) Adjacent cells do not touch but are connected by a cluster of

hollow spines Good food source for oysters and zooplankton

Stephanopyxis sp (centric diatom) In photo above slanting sharply upward from lower left Valve margins circled by ring of stout spines nearly parallel

with the central axis Adjacent cells do not touch

Thalassionema sp (pennate diatom)

Rectangular cells joined randomly in zigzag chains by gelati-nous cushion at valve corners

Internal structure usually not visible but chloroplasts scattered throughout

Thalassiosira sp (centric diatom) United in flexible chains by single strand of gelatinous thread

connecting center of adjacent cells (chain at right) Single cells resemble Coscinodiscus in top-view but chloro-

plasts larger in comparison to cell size in Thalassiosira sp

8

DINOFLAGELLATES

Alexandrium sp Very small cell Like most dinoflagellates Alexandrium has two flagella One

lies in a groove circling the ldquowaistlinerdquo of the cell while the other lies in a backward facing groove

The two flagella are responsible for spinning motion that pro-pels the cell through the water

Waistline groove is deep and cell is densely pigmented reddish -brown

May occur singly or in chains and (like other dinoflagellates) may be bioluminescent occasionally producing a red or brown glow in the water (red tide)

Ceratium furca morphotype Ceratium is a genus of dinoflagellates with three hornsmdashone at

the anterior pole of the cell and two at the posterior pole The two posterior horns of C furca are relatively straight and

apear parallel to one another but may be flexed outward some-what

Ceratium fusus morphotype C fusus has two prominent horns the third horn is a rudimen-

tary stub

Ceratium longipes morphotype

The posterior horns on this species are severely flexed forward

and are sometimes long and curved

Dinophysis sp

Has unique collar and wing-like structure on the side Common in Kachemak Bay tows and are very active Multiple species of Dinophysis produce a toxin okadaic acid

which causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning DSP DSP is not fatal but causes intestinal discomfort in humans

from eating shellfish which have eaten the toxic Dinophysis

9

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

DIATOMS

Ditylum sp (centric diatom) Rectangular looking cells with single spine at each end Valve is actually triangular when seen from end-view

Entomoneis sp (pennate diatom)

Distinguished by rectangular chloroplast and cell shape Like all pennates mostly benthic but may get swirled into up-

per water layer

Fragilariopsis sp (pennate diatom) Cells flattened chloroplasts central May occur singly but chain of cells joined side by side is

more common Mostly benthic

Leptocylindrus sp (centric diatom) Cells long straight United in chains with full surface of valves joined No spines nor horns Important oyster food Common in Kachemak Bay in late July and August

Licmophora sp (pennate diatom) Wedge shaped Normally grows attached to seaweed or zooplankton but some-

times breaks loose and floats as plankton Chloroplasts tend to be olive-green

Melosira sp (centric diatom) Pairs and triplets of cells are united in chains at their valve

centers Cells drum-shaped

Navicula morphotype (pennate diatom)

Over 1000 pennate species have this morphotype (shape) Most very small but a few quite large Solitary Kayak shaped with somewhat rounded ends Very active The raphe is usually visible

6

DIATOMS

Nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cell with pointed ends Two chloroplasts centrally located Cytoplasm extends into points of the cell

Ends tend to curve a bit but curvature may not be apparent

Odontella sp (centric diatom) Note terminal horns in the enlarged photo at right Cells may occur singly or in straight or zigzag chains Numerous chloroplasts lay against the valve walls

Pleurosigma morphotype (pennate diatom)

Name from Gr Pleura=rib and sigma=S-shaped Very large pennate diatom Ends always bluntmdashnever pointedmdashand they usually flex in

opposite directions Bending and direction may not be visible when viewed sideways

Pseudo-nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cells with two chloroplasts in the center Usually joined in chains with overlapping ends but the overlap may not be obvious if specimen is oriented somewhat sideways There are five cells in chain in photo on right Single cells do occur Only diatom that is toxic to humans by producing domoic acid (DA) Humans may develop Amnesic Shellfish Poison-ing (ASP) after eating shellfish (crabs clams mussels) con-taminated with domoic acid

All species of Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid but at different levels and times

One of the species found in Kachemak Bay Pseudo-nitzschia australis is a typical DA producer P australis is found all around the world

Photo close-up shows the distinct overlapping feature

Rhizosolenia sp (centric diatom) Cylindrical sometimes clear with no chloroplasts Local species seem to be very large and long but some spe-

cies are short Spines on end look slightly crooked or bent

7

DIATOMS

Skeletonema sp (centric diatom)

In photo slanted downward across the top from upper left Cells are very tiny but may be confused with larger Stephano-

pyxis (in photo at right slanting upward from lower left) Adjacent cells do not touch but are connected by a cluster of

hollow spines Good food source for oysters and zooplankton

Stephanopyxis sp (centric diatom) In photo above slanting sharply upward from lower left Valve margins circled by ring of stout spines nearly parallel

with the central axis Adjacent cells do not touch

Thalassionema sp (pennate diatom)

Rectangular cells joined randomly in zigzag chains by gelati-nous cushion at valve corners

Internal structure usually not visible but chloroplasts scattered throughout

Thalassiosira sp (centric diatom) United in flexible chains by single strand of gelatinous thread

connecting center of adjacent cells (chain at right) Single cells resemble Coscinodiscus in top-view but chloro-

plasts larger in comparison to cell size in Thalassiosira sp

8

DINOFLAGELLATES

Alexandrium sp Very small cell Like most dinoflagellates Alexandrium has two flagella One

lies in a groove circling the ldquowaistlinerdquo of the cell while the other lies in a backward facing groove

The two flagella are responsible for spinning motion that pro-pels the cell through the water

Waistline groove is deep and cell is densely pigmented reddish -brown

May occur singly or in chains and (like other dinoflagellates) may be bioluminescent occasionally producing a red or brown glow in the water (red tide)

Ceratium furca morphotype Ceratium is a genus of dinoflagellates with three hornsmdashone at

the anterior pole of the cell and two at the posterior pole The two posterior horns of C furca are relatively straight and

apear parallel to one another but may be flexed outward some-what

Ceratium fusus morphotype C fusus has two prominent horns the third horn is a rudimen-

tary stub

Ceratium longipes morphotype

The posterior horns on this species are severely flexed forward

and are sometimes long and curved

Dinophysis sp

Has unique collar and wing-like structure on the side Common in Kachemak Bay tows and are very active Multiple species of Dinophysis produce a toxin okadaic acid

which causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning DSP DSP is not fatal but causes intestinal discomfort in humans

from eating shellfish which have eaten the toxic Dinophysis

9

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

DIATOMS

Nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cell with pointed ends Two chloroplasts centrally located Cytoplasm extends into points of the cell

Ends tend to curve a bit but curvature may not be apparent

Odontella sp (centric diatom) Note terminal horns in the enlarged photo at right Cells may occur singly or in straight or zigzag chains Numerous chloroplasts lay against the valve walls

Pleurosigma morphotype (pennate diatom)

Name from Gr Pleura=rib and sigma=S-shaped Very large pennate diatom Ends always bluntmdashnever pointedmdashand they usually flex in

opposite directions Bending and direction may not be visible when viewed sideways

Pseudo-nitzschia sp (pennate diatom)

Elongated cells with two chloroplasts in the center Usually joined in chains with overlapping ends but the overlap may not be obvious if specimen is oriented somewhat sideways There are five cells in chain in photo on right Single cells do occur Only diatom that is toxic to humans by producing domoic acid (DA) Humans may develop Amnesic Shellfish Poison-ing (ASP) after eating shellfish (crabs clams mussels) con-taminated with domoic acid

All species of Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid but at different levels and times

One of the species found in Kachemak Bay Pseudo-nitzschia australis is a typical DA producer P australis is found all around the world

Photo close-up shows the distinct overlapping feature

Rhizosolenia sp (centric diatom) Cylindrical sometimes clear with no chloroplasts Local species seem to be very large and long but some spe-

cies are short Spines on end look slightly crooked or bent

7

DIATOMS

Skeletonema sp (centric diatom)

In photo slanted downward across the top from upper left Cells are very tiny but may be confused with larger Stephano-

pyxis (in photo at right slanting upward from lower left) Adjacent cells do not touch but are connected by a cluster of

hollow spines Good food source for oysters and zooplankton

Stephanopyxis sp (centric diatom) In photo above slanting sharply upward from lower left Valve margins circled by ring of stout spines nearly parallel

with the central axis Adjacent cells do not touch

Thalassionema sp (pennate diatom)

Rectangular cells joined randomly in zigzag chains by gelati-nous cushion at valve corners

Internal structure usually not visible but chloroplasts scattered throughout

Thalassiosira sp (centric diatom) United in flexible chains by single strand of gelatinous thread

connecting center of adjacent cells (chain at right) Single cells resemble Coscinodiscus in top-view but chloro-

plasts larger in comparison to cell size in Thalassiosira sp

8

DINOFLAGELLATES

Alexandrium sp Very small cell Like most dinoflagellates Alexandrium has two flagella One

lies in a groove circling the ldquowaistlinerdquo of the cell while the other lies in a backward facing groove

The two flagella are responsible for spinning motion that pro-pels the cell through the water

Waistline groove is deep and cell is densely pigmented reddish -brown

May occur singly or in chains and (like other dinoflagellates) may be bioluminescent occasionally producing a red or brown glow in the water (red tide)

Ceratium furca morphotype Ceratium is a genus of dinoflagellates with three hornsmdashone at

the anterior pole of the cell and two at the posterior pole The two posterior horns of C furca are relatively straight and

apear parallel to one another but may be flexed outward some-what

Ceratium fusus morphotype C fusus has two prominent horns the third horn is a rudimen-

tary stub

Ceratium longipes morphotype

The posterior horns on this species are severely flexed forward

and are sometimes long and curved

Dinophysis sp

Has unique collar and wing-like structure on the side Common in Kachemak Bay tows and are very active Multiple species of Dinophysis produce a toxin okadaic acid

which causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning DSP DSP is not fatal but causes intestinal discomfort in humans

from eating shellfish which have eaten the toxic Dinophysis

9

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

DIATOMS

Skeletonema sp (centric diatom)

In photo slanted downward across the top from upper left Cells are very tiny but may be confused with larger Stephano-

pyxis (in photo at right slanting upward from lower left) Adjacent cells do not touch but are connected by a cluster of

hollow spines Good food source for oysters and zooplankton

Stephanopyxis sp (centric diatom) In photo above slanting sharply upward from lower left Valve margins circled by ring of stout spines nearly parallel

with the central axis Adjacent cells do not touch

Thalassionema sp (pennate diatom)

Rectangular cells joined randomly in zigzag chains by gelati-nous cushion at valve corners

Internal structure usually not visible but chloroplasts scattered throughout

Thalassiosira sp (centric diatom) United in flexible chains by single strand of gelatinous thread

connecting center of adjacent cells (chain at right) Single cells resemble Coscinodiscus in top-view but chloro-

plasts larger in comparison to cell size in Thalassiosira sp

8

DINOFLAGELLATES

Alexandrium sp Very small cell Like most dinoflagellates Alexandrium has two flagella One

lies in a groove circling the ldquowaistlinerdquo of the cell while the other lies in a backward facing groove

The two flagella are responsible for spinning motion that pro-pels the cell through the water

Waistline groove is deep and cell is densely pigmented reddish -brown

May occur singly or in chains and (like other dinoflagellates) may be bioluminescent occasionally producing a red or brown glow in the water (red tide)

Ceratium furca morphotype Ceratium is a genus of dinoflagellates with three hornsmdashone at

the anterior pole of the cell and two at the posterior pole The two posterior horns of C furca are relatively straight and

apear parallel to one another but may be flexed outward some-what

Ceratium fusus morphotype C fusus has two prominent horns the third horn is a rudimen-

tary stub

Ceratium longipes morphotype

The posterior horns on this species are severely flexed forward

and are sometimes long and curved

Dinophysis sp

Has unique collar and wing-like structure on the side Common in Kachemak Bay tows and are very active Multiple species of Dinophysis produce a toxin okadaic acid

which causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning DSP DSP is not fatal but causes intestinal discomfort in humans

from eating shellfish which have eaten the toxic Dinophysis

9

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

DINOFLAGELLATES

Alexandrium sp Very small cell Like most dinoflagellates Alexandrium has two flagella One

lies in a groove circling the ldquowaistlinerdquo of the cell while the other lies in a backward facing groove

The two flagella are responsible for spinning motion that pro-pels the cell through the water

Waistline groove is deep and cell is densely pigmented reddish -brown

May occur singly or in chains and (like other dinoflagellates) may be bioluminescent occasionally producing a red or brown glow in the water (red tide)

Ceratium furca morphotype Ceratium is a genus of dinoflagellates with three hornsmdashone at

the anterior pole of the cell and two at the posterior pole The two posterior horns of C furca are relatively straight and

apear parallel to one another but may be flexed outward some-what

Ceratium fusus morphotype C fusus has two prominent horns the third horn is a rudimen-

tary stub

Ceratium longipes morphotype

The posterior horns on this species are severely flexed forward

and are sometimes long and curved

Dinophysis sp

Has unique collar and wing-like structure on the side Common in Kachemak Bay tows and are very active Multiple species of Dinophysis produce a toxin okadaic acid

which causes Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning DSP DSP is not fatal but causes intestinal discomfort in humans

from eating shellfish which have eaten the toxic Dinophysis

9

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

DINOFLAGELLATES

Noctiluca scintillans

This very large cell has atypical structure for dinoflagellate Photo shows size next to chain diatom

Two sticky food-gathering flagella extend from a slit along one side

Feeds mostly on diatoms Chloroplasts are absent Often bioluminescent greenish or blue at night when water is

disturbed Most common near shore in marine water Does not produce a toxin but following a large bloom the dy-

ing cells can release large amounts of ammonia which may kill many fish

Protoperidinium sp

Small plump cells with two horns on the posterior pole and one anterior horn

Waist groove prominent Common in local towsmdashseveral species in Kachemak Bay Protoperidinium is a heterotroph meaning it feeds on other

organisms The ldquopolka dotsrdquo in the cytoplasm are undigested pigments of the diatoms they consume

Scrippsiella sp

Small cell with conical top and rounded bottom Chloroplasts present The little point on the top distinguishes it from Alexandrium

10

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

OTHER GROUPS OF MARINE MICROPLANKTON

PHYLUM CILIOPHORA

Tintinniopsis sp This small zooplankton is a ciliate enclosed in an external case

called a lorica made of foreign particles Collar of cilia (like small hairs) around the opening creates

currents that stir up the water propelling the animal forward and drawing food particles in

Very active and common locally in many different shapes

PHYLUM SARCOMASTIGOPHORA Subphylum Sarcodinia

Actinopods A zooplankton related to amoeba The cell is encased in a sphere made of silica with holes

through which thin transparent feet extrude to capture food

PHYLUM CHRYSOPHYTA Class Dictyochophyceae

Dictyocha sp

Related to diatoms this tiny phytoplankton is encased in silica with holes and a wreath of 6 spines

Appears to be spherical when seen from valve view but is ac-tually fairly flat

Not common but very distinctive

PHYLUM PRYMNESIOPHYTA

Coccolithospore A tiny photosynthetic organism formerly classed with diatoms

in Phylum Chrysophyta Very tiny and nearly colorless the circular calcareous plates

are characteristic

11

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve 95 Sterling Hwy Ste 2

Homer AK 99603 wwwkbayrrorg 907-235-4799

2013

The production of this guide was a cooperative effort by KBRR volunteer Jane Middleton KBRR staff Catie Bursch and Jeff Paternoster with NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Photographs by Jane Middleton and Catie Bursch (all from Kachemak Bay Plankton except Alexandrium photo from NOAA PMN) Cover illustration by Catie Bursch

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFampG) administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parent-hood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility please write

ADFampG ADA Coordinator PO Box 115526 Juneau AK 99811-5526

US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N Fairfax Drive MS 2042 Arlington VA 22203

Office of Equal Opportunity US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW MS 5230 Washing-ton DC 20240 The departmentrsquos ADA Coordinator can be reached via phone at the following numbers

(VOICE) 907-465-6077 (Statewide Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) 1-800-478-3648 (Juneau TDD) 907-465-3646 (FAX) 907-465-6078

This product can be downloaded as a PDF on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve website wwwkbayrrorg

12