Golden Algae

Prymnesium parvum occurs in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific. It is a brackish/ coastal water species.

P. parvum is a small ovoid haptophyte with two, golden-brown chloroplasts. These are elongate and extend the length of the cell. The haptonema is flexible and non-coiling. Vibrating granules are located in the posterior part of the cell. The cells are covered by two types of scales in two layers. Both types are oval in shape. Scales in the outer layer have a narrow inflexed rim. The slightly larger scale-plates of the inner layer have a wider, strongly inflexed rim. The scales are ornamented with ridges radiating out from the centre of the scale.

P. parvum is a small ovoid haptophyte with two, golden-brown chloroplasts. These are elongate and extend the length of the cell.

Prymnesium parvum is mixotrophic