Diatoms and algae playmates?

One by one numerous diatoms approach a long chain of algae that is moving in a leisurely arc. Sometimes the diatoms snuggle against and push or poke the algae, but the algae chain continues its journey as if it doesnt care.

Commentary by Prof. Yuji Tsukii, Hosei University
This blue-green alga belongs to genus Oscillatoria.

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

Many species are included in genus Oschillatoria, and their identification is tricky.

But judging from the unique shape of this organism, it might be Oschillatoria jovis.

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

The cell-size of O.jovis is reported to be 3.4~4.2μm in width, and if the width of this organism is similar, the organism is likely to be O.jovis.

The diatoms passing by Oschillatoria might be a species of genus Navicula, but this is difficult to determine because there are so many small diatoms with a similar appearance.

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

Diatoms are usually difficult to identify without observing their shell pattern using a scanning electron microscope or a high-resolution optical microscope. To do this, it is necessary to remove cell material from the shell through a chemical process.

Sampling Date : 08 August 2009

Sampling Site : Hirose River A  Google Map