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Ceratium (Ceratiidae)

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Diagnostic features

A distinctive dinoflagellate with three tripod-like horns from one end, and one horn from the other end. Horns are variable in length depending on the species.  Two flagella, one of which is set in a groove (cingulum) wrapping around the cell.

[Ceratium], Lake Rotoroa, Hamilton, X80. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Ceratium, Lake Rotoroa, Hamilton, X80. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
[Ceratium], Lake Rotoroa, Hamilton, X160. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Ceratium, Lake Rotoroa, Hamilton, X160. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

Lakes and ponds with moderate to good water quality

Classification

Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Myzozoa
Class Peridinea
Order Gonyaulacida
Family Ceratiidae
Common name Dinoflagellates