Projects

Silica-scaled chrysophytes of Europe

www.chrysophytes.eu

The silica-scaled chrysophytes are unicellular flagellates, representing an important part of the freshwater phytoplankton. They may form the majority of phytoplankton in oligotrophic freshwater lakes and ponds. Knowledge of the occurrence of chrysophytes and of their ecological ranges is useful for monitoring the status of water bodies and changes in their water quality. These organisms have species-specific silica structures (scales and bristles), used for accurate identification at the species level. An internet database of the European silica-scaled chrysophytes has been developed to store microphotographs and sampling data (including geographical coordinates, pH, conductivity and temperature values), and to provide access to the data to all people who are interested. The database currently holds information about the distribution and ecology of 204 species and infraspecific taxa, based on more than 7,500 entries. For each species listed in the database, a photo gallery, a list of all records, and a distribution map are provided, and are automatically updated with each new entry. For those species with more than 20 records, their distribution frequencies in relation to gradients in pH, conductivity, and temperature are also shown. Continual addition of newly published and as yet unpublished data is planned.

We actively invite everybody who is interested in Chrysophyte biogeography, ecology and taxonomy to participate in this database!

Scientific grant projects