Diploconus – a radiolarian with endosymbionts

Diploconus (Chromista, Rhizaria, Radiozoa, Acantharia) – a radiolarian with endosymbionts. By Alvaro E. Migotto Radiolarians feed on small organisms (zooplankton, phytoplankton) and detritus, using a type of pseudopodium called axopodium (plural axopodia). Axopodia are very thin extensions of the cytoplasm that extend radially from the main body cell. The organisms and particles adhere to the axopodium and are transported down into the central body. Looking carefully to the video you will see small particles being transported along the axopodia. Many radiolarians harbor microalgae in their cytoplasm. Such symbionts, brown in color, are on both sides of the central body cell of this species. A few algae can be seen on the top of peripheral pseudopodia. Via photosynthesis the microalgae provide energy to the radiolarian, which in turn provides shelter for the microalgae. Recorded at the Center for Marine Biology (CEBIMar), University of São Paulo (), at São Sebas