The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter h

Ceratium hirundinella

Habitat:

 

Ceratium is a unicellular microorganism.  It lives in both fresh- and saltwater and is most common in temperate regions.

 

Importance:

 

Ceratium is a microorganism that harvests its energy from sunlight using a process known as photosynthesis.  During photosynthesis, oxygen is released.  In addition, Ceratium and other photosynthetic microbes are the basis for the food chain in aquatic environments.

 

Classification:

 

Ceratium is a photosynthetic microorganism that has two whip-like flagella that it uses to propel itself through the water.  It is surrounded by a tough outer casing. 

 

Size:

 

Length 150 - 250 mm, width 40 - 60 mm.