Template:POTD/2010-03-07
False-colour scanning electron micrograph of the coccolithophore Gephyrocapsa oceanica, showing the calcareous coccoliths (plates or scales composed of calcium carbonate) on the surface that give the group its name. Coccolithophores are single-celled algae, protists and phytoplankton found throughout the photic zone of the ocean. This specimen is approximately 8 µm in diameter.SEM: NEON; Colouring: Richard Bartz