portrait

Description:

Hastigerina pelagica - this is a large pelagic foraminiferan. There are a number of small central chambers, from which radiate numerous calcite spines and pseudopodia. There is a large fluid bubble capsule which provides buoyancy. This guy has captured a small copepod within the pseudopodial network. Evidently a carnivore, despite the capacity for photosynthesis provided by numerous commensal dinoflagellates. This is an example of one of the four types of large amoebae which is common in the marine water column. Dark ground image by Dave Caron.