Most microalgae exist as single cells such as this Coscinodiscus concinnus (magnification x 280). When diatoms bloom, they color the sea surface and are often visible from space.

FILTER FEEDERS:

This North Atlantic euphausiid, Nyctiphanes couchii (magnification x 70), uses its front limbs to comb the water for microalgae to consume. Euphausiids use the five pairs of limbs on their stomachs to locomote....[More]

FILTER FEEDERS:

This North Atlantic euphausiid, Nyctiphanes couchii (magnification x 70), uses its front limbs to comb the water for microalgae to consume. Euphausiids use the five pairs of limbs on their stomachs to locomote. Most of these species have bioluminescent organs on their sides called photophores. The purpose of these organs remains somewhat uncertain.  [Less] [Link to this slide]

SEA ANGEL:

Sea angels only have a shell when they are embryos, as in this species Clione limacina (magnification x 20). Juvenile C. limacina are about 5 mm long and adults reach up to 5 cm....[More]

SEA ANGEL:

Sea angels only have a shell when they are embryos, as in this species Clione limacina (magnification x 20). Juvenile C. limacina are about 5 mm long and adults reach up to 5 cm. The foot of a sea angel develops into two wing-like parapodia that help them move about.  [Less] [Link to this slide]

This starfish (magnification x 180) is in its second stage of larval development. The dimples mark where five arms will start to grow on a juvenile starfish.

HORSESHOE WORMS:

When this Phoronis muelleri (magnification x 200) advances beyond a larval stage, it will live inside its tube and develop a horseshoe-shape feeding fan....[More]

HORSESHOE WORMS:

When this Phoronis muelleri (magnification x 200) advances beyond a larval stage, it will live inside its tube and develop a horseshoe-shape feeding fan. There are two genera within the Phoronida and only 20 known species worldwide.  [Less] [Link to this slide]

SEA GHOSTS:

"These remarkable creatures are still very much a secret world," Kirby writes. Much scientific mystery still surrounds many plankton, including these sea anemone larvae (magnification x 100)....[More]

SEA GHOSTS:

"These remarkable creatures are still very much a secret world," Kirby writes. Much scientific mystery still surrounds many plankton, including these sea anemone larvae (magnification x 100).  [Less] [Link to this slide]