A leisurely green alga

A large algal cell more than 600 microns long is moving slowly. Both ends of its straight body are slightly tapered. We can see green particles inside the cell.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This is Closterium acerosum which lives in paddy or marsh areas.

Two ways of moving are characteristic of this group.

One is to move by attaching first the front end of the cell followed by the back end to the bottom surface as in the case of Closterium moniliferum.

http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/PDB/Im.....

The other method is by gliding as performed by this Closterium acerosum.

http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp/PDB/Im.....

Sampling Date : 18 October 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map