Golden algae are a large group of algae, found mostly in freshwater environments. This photograph shows the species Dinobryon Divergens and is a colony of individual cells. During colony formation, an existing cell divides and one of the two daughter cells slides to the opening of the protective shell and starts to construct a new one. With further divisions, the colony starts to grow in a tree-like form. Colonies can have as many as 50 cells, each living its own life. Each cell is propelled by two flagella pulling the entire colony through the water in order to find good light. Dinobryon Divergens is a mixotrophic organism, meaning that it is photosynthetic as well as having the ability to ingest food. When the light energy or nutrients are limited, it starts eating bacteria to survive. Research shows that a colony can eat thousands of bacteria every hour if needed, providing as much as 50% of its energy requirements. Dinobryon is a potent force in controlling bacterial numbers in freshwater lakes and ponds. The entire Dinobryon colony measures just under 0.2 mm in length.

Available in 3 sizes:

26x37 cm (10.2”x14.6”) - Limited edition of 20 + 2 Artist’s proofs
36x57 cm (14.2”x22.4”) - Limited edition of 10 + 2 Artist’s proofs
56x87 cm (22.0”x34.3”) - Limited edition of 5 + 1 Artist’s proof

The size denotes the printed area. The photo media is larger with at least 4 cm (1.5”) of white borders on each side.