portrait

Description:

Spiniferodinium galeiforme motile cells are oval to round, slightly dorso-ventrally flattened. Length 23 – 34 microns, width 17 – 27 microns. Non-motile cell 25 - 35 microns in length, 20 - 30 microns in width. On motile cell, cingulum begins approximately 0.5 of the cell length from the apex, not displaced. Apical groove extending vertically towards the apex, until approximately 2 microns before the apex, where it turns to the left. The left side of the epicone overhangs slightly at the junction of the cingulum and sulcus. Sulcus initially narrow, then opening towards the antapex. Longitudinal flagellum arising in a pocket just below the junction of the cingulum and sulcus. Nucleus round, 10-12 microns diameter, in the epicone. Chloroplasts small, round to ellipsoidal, 2 - 3 microns diameter. Usually many chloroplasts present. Many colourless starch globules present. Non-motile cell appearing similar to motile cell, round, covered by a transparent “helmet” with small spines protruding.