Radiolaria


Radiolaria are single-celled organisms (protozoa). Many species produce stunning siliceous skeletons which can sink to the bottom after the radiolaria dies, covering large parts of the ocean floor where they have been accumulating over millions of years as microfossils. Radiolaria can live in symbiosis with algae, which provide the radiolaria with energy.

A live radiolarian from Cerbère, Mediterranean.
A live radiolarian from Cerbère, Mediterranean.
Live radiolaria from Cerbère, Mediterranean.
Live radiolaria from Cerbère, Mediterranean.
Live radiolaria from Cerbère, Mediterranean.
A fossil radiolarian of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Spumellaria
A fossil radiolarian of unknown origin belonging to the Spumellaria
A fossil radiolarian of unknown origin belonging to the Spumellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Spumellaria
Spine of a fossil radiolarian of unknown origin belonging to the Spumellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Spumellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Spumellaria
A fossil radiolarian of unknown origin belonging to the Spumellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
A fossil radiolarian of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Spumellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
A fossil radiolarian of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
Fossil radiolaria of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria
A fossil radiolarian of unknown origin belonging to the Nassellaria