A Virtual Pond Dip

Note: If visiting this page directly, it is designed to be used with the virtual dip in the jar of pond water.

Actinosphaerium (single-celled) (Example of a heliozoa)     Further details: Sun animalcules and amoebas

Name (genus) : Actinosphaerium Size : 200 - 1000 µm Where to find them : Planktonic and amongst plants (especially fine-leaved). Notes : The Heliozoans, also called sun-animalcules in older books, are a delight to study under the microscope. They have hair-like pseudopodia called axopodia (which are often stiffened) that radiate outwards. There are a number of smaller species e.g. in the genera Actinophrys and Acanthocystis. Classification : Kingdom - Protoctista, Class - Heliozoa Return to the Pond Dip