portrait

Description:

Gonium pectorale, a common colonial volvocid flagellate. Colonies usually consist of 16 cells (twelve peripheral and four central) in a plate-like arrangement of one layer. An extracellular matrix that is not easily seen connects cells. Cells have a cup-shaped chloroplast with a small anterior stigma. Lateral view of colony. From freshwater pond near Boise, Idaho. Phase contrast.