A possible aid to survival of the marine coccolithophorid Cricosphaera and similar organisms

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Abstract
An examination has been made of clones of Cricosphaera from the Plymouth culture collection. These organisms are biflagellate motile coccolithophorids which, in culture, produce non-motile filamentous benthic phases similar to forms included in the Chrysotilaceae (e.g. Apistonema). Cricosphaera carterae (Plymouth No. 17) produces, in liquid culture, motile cells invested with several layers of characteristically patterned scales and one layer of coccoliths. The scales are of three types, (I) small oval scales, (II) medium-sized round scales and (III) large oval scales which are always associated with coccoliths. Growth on agar produces Apistonema-like cells which, although lacking scales of Types I and III, have a greatly thickened investment of closely packed Type II scales. Other Apistonema type clones, previously believed to be covered in mucilage, are similarly ensheathed by thick layers of scales which are thought to aid the benthic phases in withstanding dry conditions.