Greetings fellow diatom enthusiasts!
I accidentally came across a reference to a newly discovered (in 2016) Eocene diatomite deposit near Flatonia Texas a couple months ago.
https://www.gcags.org/exploreanddiscover/2016/00060_davis_et_al.pdf
and
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/0269249X.2022.2141345
I was excited to get some of the diatomite since Eocene material from other parts of the world like Oamaru, NZ show some remarkably intricate forms. I contacted the papers' senior authors, Diane Winter(diatomist) and Tom Yancey(geologist, now retired) who gladly shared the site location and other information with me. I then convinced one of the USA Diatom Forum members (Kurt Maurer) to take the 45 minute drive from his home and collect samples. Working closely with the quarry owner, Kurt collected 16 different samples, most of which I have quickly cleaned and examined.
Anne Gleich and I have assembled an outstanding international group of diatomists to examine this material. Diane Winter is also working closely with the group since she has already published on the site (see above), and I expect many more new things to come out of this working group and make it into the literature.
I will start with a few images from some of the cleaned samples. I expect other Flatonia Working Group members will add more images shortly.
Let the games begin!!
Bill
A few more images.
Bill
Hi Bill,
great images! Exciting to see diatoms from this new destination.
Thanks for sharing.
Kind regards
Peter
A couple more images.
Bill
Hallo,
sieht sehr interessant aus.
So eine Probe hätte ich auch gerne... :-[
Carsten
Greetings fellow diatom enthusiasts from me too!
I am delighted to be a member of the group again and to be able to contribute to it; it is a great honor. Bill has already done some fantastic work and discovered many new forms that have not yet been described. It is therefore extremely exciting to have this material in my hands.
At the moment, I only have a very limited amount of samples (a few grams) available, which I am sharing with the team in Europe working on the project. Therefore, I ask for your understanding (dear Carsten) that at this point in time, we can only enjoy the results together.
I hope you enjoy this contribution.
Best
anne
Here are a few more forms found in the Flatonia Texas Eocene material. Some are very rare.
Bill
And a few more. I especially like the forms that have all the spikes!
Bill
Hello Bill,
This seems to be an interesting sample with unusual shapes. I'll try to post some decent pictures in the forum.
Best regards,
Michael
Hello Michael,
I am looking forward to your images, and possibly finding a previously unknown Kittonia in this sample, if there is one! You are such a good Kittonia-hunter!
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Bill, and all other diatom enthusiasts,
I feel honored to be a member of this group.
The first sample has been cleaned and I have already found some nice diatoms.
Soon I will post some pictures.
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Michel Haak
Hallo zusammen,
Hier ein erstes Bild aus Probe K11. Ich habe erstmal ein kleine Menge aufbereitet.
Wie immer ist es mit dem 40er Objektiv und bei trockenem Exemplar aufgenommen.
Aufsicht:
Tex-K11-Tri-Stack-1600px.jpg
Seitliche Ansicht:
Tex-K11-Tri-seitlich-Stack-1600pix.jpg
LG
Michael
By the way ...
625081956_10108771864505017_2587708972703653490_n (1).jpghadi.jpg
... they love to be examined.
(Sorry, had to do this.)
All the best to the examiners, a fascinating thread!
Hallo,
hier ein weiteres Exemplar. Diese Grundform kommt ja aus dem Grossgebiet recht oft vor.
Peter:
Da wir auf Gesichter "eingestellt" sind, sehen wir fast überall welche. ;-)
LG
Michael
Hier 2 weitere Formen.
Bei der ersten habe erst die Aufsicht gemacht, danach habe ich es seitlich gestellt und ein Bild aus dem Fotostack erstellt.
Bei der zweiten Form habe ich die direkt schräg aufgestellt und den Fotostack aus ca. 100 Einzelbildern erstellt.
Dazu noch eine 3D Ansicht.
LG
Michael
Only half a slide with sediment searched and already many beautiful diatoms found.
Sample: K7
Dear Michel,
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!
Beautiful!
Best,
Bill
Dear Michel,
you must have worked on the samples day and night...
This is aboslutely fantastic!
Best
anne
Hi Michel,
this is really amazing! What a beauty. Thanks for your work and passion.
Best
Peter
Hi Michel,
That's a really great picture. Is it a specimen posed like that, or is it just arranged on the computer?
All:
Möchtet ihr nur Übersichtsbilder oder auch Einzelbilder mit verschiedenen Ansichten?
Translate:
Do you only want overview images or also individual images with different views?
LG
Michael
Lieber Michael,
jedes Bild von Dir ist erwünscht und gern gesehen, also Detail und Übersicht.
lG
Anne
Hi Michael,
I have selected these diatoms and mounted them on the underside of the cover glass.
Will add a picture of the slide itself.
BR,
Michel
Hi Michel,
this slide is a masterpiece, then.
By the way, your brightfield image of this slide is also outstanding.
Thanks for sharing!
Hello, thank you for the picture. That's an excellent specimen.
I'm nowhere near that stage yet. I'm still in the purification process.
Since I only have 12% hydrogen peroxide, it's taking a bit longer.
I take some of the sample and heat it in 20 ml of hydrogen peroxide with a little bleach. When I use Sparkleen or something similar, it foams too much, even though I'm only using a few grains in 20 ml of hydrogen peroxide. It's still very gritty at the moment.
Some of the diatoms are now sand-free, but most of them aren't.
Right now, I'm letting it simmer gently.
It's possible that this method isn't the right one. Are there any tips on how I could speed it up?
Regards,
Michael
Hello Michael,
My "standard" method to clean these samples is as follows:
2 grams of diatomite, 4 grams of SHMP, and 150mL of 12% H2O2 are heated to boiling for 2 or 3 hours (with a glass dish filled with water on top of the beaker to act as a condenser).
Dilute with water, let settle for 2 hours, then carefully decant supernate.
Sometimes I will sieve at this stage with 15 micron mesh, but lately I've just taken it on and save sieving to the end.
Add 0.15 grams of Sparkleen along with 100mL of water and boil for 1 or 2 hours using the water filled dish on top of the beaker as a condenser.
Dilute with water, let settle for at least one hour, then carefully decant supernate.
Check forms under scope. If they still have "crusts" on them, repeat Sparkleen treatment.
Once forms are free of any adhering bits, sieve using 15 micron mesh.
I will be happy to answer any questions.
Bill
P.S. I forgot to mention that Sparkleen contains base, and this will catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide so that's why you get so much frothing when you add Sparkleen to H2O2.
Zitat von: Michael K. in März 08, 2026, 15:34:13 NACHMITTAGSHello, thank you for the picture. That's an excellent specimen.
I'm nowhere near that stage yet. I'm still in the purification process.
Since I only have 12% hydrogen peroxide, it's taking a bit longer.
I take some of the sample and heat it in 20 ml of hydrogen peroxide with a little bleach. When I use Sparkleen or something similar, it foams too much, even though I'm only using a few grains in 20 ml of hydrogen peroxide. It's still very gritty at the moment.
Some of the diatoms are now sand-free, but most of them aren't.
Right now, I'm letting it simmer gently.
It's possible that this method isn't the right one. Are there any tips on how I could speed it up?
Regards,
Michael
Hi Michael,
I think that Bill has already answered all the questions.
The only thing that is different is that I use large beakers for the whole process.
I use 2L beakers with around the 250-300ml H2O2 12% and around the 2 grams of SHMP.
A good cleaning takes a lot of time.
Have a nice day,
Michel
Hi All that gives a reply on the picture with the arrangement,
Thanks for the compliments. :)
Michel
Hello,
Thanks for the reply. I made the mistake of using beakers that were too small and adding the Sparkleen in the second hydrogen peroxide run.
No wonder it foamed too much.
I'm now using larger beakers and will only use the Sparkleen with water.
Michael
Hallo,
hier weitere Bilde aus Probe K7 mit ähnlichen Formen.
LG
Michael
Hallo,
Ich habe das Material (K7) nun 3 Stunden in einem 300ml Becher und H2O2 kochen lassen. Nach dem Abkühlen habe ich eine kleine Menge testweise in ein kleines Becherglas umgefüllt, mit Wasser aufgefüllt.
Dieses durch ein 25 Mikrometer Filter laufen lassen um die feinen Partikel zu entfernen. Einige Diatomeen sind auch frei. Aber es sind immer noch grössere Bröckchen übrig die sich aber leicht mit einer Nadel zerdrücken lassen. Darin sind auch Diatomeen enthalten
Ich denke ich muss den Kochvorgang wiederholen um alles klein zu bekommen. Was meint Ihr? Ist da was falsch gelaufen?
Ich habe die Befürchtung das die Bröckchen durch einen weiteren Kochvorgang nicht kleiner werden.
LG
Michael
Translate:
Hello,
I boiled the material (K7) in a 300ml beaker with H2O2 for 3 hours. After it cooled, I transferred a small amount into a small beaker as a test and filled it with water.
I then filtered this through a 25-micrometer filter to remove the fine particles. Some diatoms came out, but there are still larger clumps left, which can be easily crushed with a needle. These also contain diatoms.
I think I need to repeat the boiling process to get everything smaller. What do you think? Did something go wrong?
I'm worried that the clumps won't get any smaller with another boiling.
Best regards, Michael
PS: I dont have SHMP / I had only Tabs for Dishwascher is it the same?
Dear Michael,
Since you don't have SHMP (we will try to send you some), you can try using the Sparkleen boil for a couple hours. That will help break down the chunks. You may need to repeat the Sparkleen boil several times.
Bill
Hallo Michael,
nein es handelt sich um das "ehemalige Calgon" Natriumhexametaphosphat. Ich sende Dir davon, habe gerade nachbestellt - kein Problem.
Aber die Brocken werden dadurch nicht unbedingt kleiner, ich habe das gleiche Problem bei K7 und K11.
lG
anne
Hallo,
Dieses stammt aus Probe R1. Ich habe von der eh schon kleinen Menge testweise etwas aufgelöst,
um zu schauen was mich erwartet. Es sind recht kleine Diatomeen, die ich bis jetzt sehen konnte.
Von dem kleinen Bröckchen was Schichten aufweist, habe ich ein Stück einer Schicht gelöst und in einem
25 ml Becher gegeben und aufgelöst. Es ist aber noch nicht komplett gereinigt.
Diese Diatomee habe ich seitlich gelegt und ca. 60 Einzelbilder für den Stack aufgenommen.
LG
Michael
Here are three forms from sample K11. Stacked brightfield and phase contrast images taken with Leitz Pl Apo 63X/1.40 phaco4.
Bill
Form from sample K7 taken dry/air using NCSPlan 40X/0.70 in both valve and girdle views. I like it!
Hallo,
In der kleinen Probe R1 habe ich dies gefunden.
LG
Michael
A few more forms imaged dry/air using NCSPlan 40X/0.70. Forms from sample K7.
Greetings to all,
Bill
Hallo,
Hier 3 weitere Exemplare. Diesmal aus einem Streupräparat mit dem 60er (x1,6) Objektiv
aufgenommen.
LG
Michael
Hallo zusammen,
Hier ist mal ein Bild des Diatomits nach SHMP (Natriumhexametaphosphat) Behandlung und Siebung
durch 25µ Filter. Mit dem Mittel lassen sich die verbackenen Sandbröckchen gut auflösen. Es bleiben so die grossen Diatomeen übrig. Die kleinen werde ich durch weiteres dekantieren soweit wie möglich von feinstem Sand befreien. Aber die Diatomeen selbst sind jetzt schon so gut wie sauber.
Ich wollte es euch nur mitteilen wie gut es sich löst damit. Ein Hauch von Selbstzweifel hatte ich schon in den vergangenen Tagen.
LG
Michael
Great job Michael!!
Here is an Aulacodiscus that I found in sample K11. Stacked image taken with Leitz Pl Apo 63X/1.40.
Hello Bill,
That is a nice found. I must look for it when i clean K11.
LG
Michael
There are a variety of Auliscus species in sample K11. This one was image stacked dry/air using NCSPlan 40X/0.70. I will try to mount it later.
Greetings everyone.
Bill
Hello,
I think it is the same one, I found see Answer 14. I made a 3D Picture of it.
Greeting
Michael
Hi Michael,
Yes, it is the same as the one you imaged!
Here it is mounted in Zrax. Stacked brightfield and phase contrast images using Leitz Pl Apo 63X/1.40 Phaco4.
As Jonathan Crowther pointed out to me, the K11 form looks similar to this one he imaged:
https://diatomimaging.com/auliscus-spinosus-h-adler/
Mine also has the two projections on the edge between the two ocelli.
@Michael your image also shows one of the spikes. The other place where the spike would be is broken off.
This would be a good candidate for a SEM I think! I will try to find another for that purpose.
Bill
Hello,
here is another diatom from sample R1. Its true shape is only visible in the 3D image. It is a tapered, three-part shape.
Another form from sample K11. Stacked imaged dry/air using NCSPlan 40X/0.70.
Bill
Hello,
Here is another diatom from sample R1. There are 4 shells still attached.
Greeting
Michael
Hallo,
Hier habe ich 2 sehr kleine Diatomeen, die ersteauch diese läuft spitz zu. Sie stammt aus dem Material, welches durch das 25µ Sieb gegangen ist.
Die zweite ist eine sehr kleine Auliscus, aus dem selben Material. Ein Anaglyphenbild ohne Freistellung habe ich ebenfalls beigefügt. Bei diesen kleinen Diatomeen ist es fast nicht möglich, diese von "Dreck" zu trennen.
Einmal die normale Ansicht.
Tex-R1-Diatom-25-Stack.jpg
Und einmal als Anaglypenbild:
Tex-R1-Diatom-25-Stack-3D.jpg
Die Auliscus, Aufsicht:
Tex-R1-Diatom-29-Stack.jpg
Auf dem OT zwischen Bruchstücken als Anaglypenbild:
Tex-R1-Diatom-29-Stack-3D-1600px.jpg
Und die seitliche Aufsicht:
Tex-R1-Aul-klein-seitlich-Stack.jpg
Hi Michael,
That three-ocelli Auliscus is a nice find!
Greetings,
Bill
Hallo,
Diese Exemplar habe ich in Probe K11 gefunden.
Aufsicht:
Tex-K11-Diatomee-34-Stack.jpg
Hier die Aufsicht von schräg oben, der aufgestellten Diatomee.
Tex-K11-Diatomee-33-Stack.jpg
LG
Michael
Hallo,
hier habe ich ein Stück einer quadratischen Diatomee. Diese düfte nicht all zu oft vorkommen
LG
Michael
Hallo,
hier habe ich eine weitere Diatomee aus Probe K11
Aufgenommen mit dem 40er Objektiv aus verschiedenen Positionen.
Die Schale habe ich mal in den Bildern glasartig dargestellt:
Aufsicht:
Tex-K11-Diatomee-35-Stack-1600px.jpg
Aufsicht als Anaglyphenbild:
Tex-K11-Diatomee-35-Stack-3D-1600px.jpg
Seitliche Ansicht:
Tex-K11-Diatomee-35-Stack-seitlich.jpg
Seitliche Ansicht HF/inv:
Tex-K11-Diatomee-35-seitlich-HF-inv-1600px.jpg
LG
Michael
Hallo,
Ich wollte gerade Schluss machen für heute, da sehe ich auf dem OT mit der trocken gewordenen Probe
von K11 diese ungewöhnliche Form. Die musste ich natürlich heraus nehmen und Fotos machen.
Aufsicht:
Tex-K11-Diatomee-36-Aufsicht-Stack-1600px.jpg
Anaglyphenbild:
Tex-K11-Diatomee-36-Aufsicht-Stack-3D-1600px.jpg
Und seitliche Aufsicht:
Tex-K11-Diatomee-36-seitlich-Stack-A-1600px.jpg
LG
Michael
Hi Michael,
This is excellent! I think it's the same Aulacodiscus that I found in K11. I think this must be a new (unreported) form.
Great work as usual!
Best regards,
Bill
Hallo zusammen,
Nach dem ich nun die grossen Diatomeen herausgefiltert habe, bleibt jede Menge feinster Sand mit den kleinsten Diatomeen übrig. Mit dekantieren komme ich so nicht weiter. Ein feineres Sieb als 25µ habe ich nicht. Ich habe überlegt wie ich nun den Sand von den kleinen Diatomeen trennen kann.
Ich bin dabei auf die Goldwäscher Methode gekommen. Dazu habe ich das feine Material mit Wasser in ein
Uhrenglas gegeben und kreisförmig geschwenkt. Dabei sammeln sich grössere Sandkörner in der Mitte.
Diese Ansammlung habe ich heraus pipettiert und verworfen. Das verbleibende Material im Uhrenglas habe
ich wiederum geschwenkt. Das sich sammelnde Material, bestehend aus feinen Sand und kleinen Diatomeen habe ich heraus pipettiert und in einem kleinen Glässchen gesammelt. Dies habe ich eine weile stehen
lassen.
Von dem Bodensatz habe ich etwas aufgenommen und auf ein OT gegeben. Es war feiner Sand und kleine Diatomeen zu sehen. diesen OT habe ich leicht im Kreis geschwenkt. Da der Sand kleiner als die kleinen Diatomeen sind, sammeln sich diesmal fast nur Diatomeen ohne den störenden feinsten Sand in der Mitte
des Tropfens. Diese Ansammlung, habe ich herauspipettiert und gesammelt.
Diesen Vorgang habe ich solange wiederholt bis der Bodensatz aus dem ersten Gefäss entfernt ist.
Verklumpungen von Diatomeen, meist an Fasern, habe ich durch 25µ Filterung entfernt.
Nun sind die kleinen Diatomeen so gut wie sandfrei. Es ich eine recht mühselige Methode, die aber
funktioniert. Ich habe mal ein Schaubild bei gefügt.
LG
Michael
Hello Michael,
This "gold panning" is exactly what you need to do to separate the small forms from the sand. I have found that white polystyrene weighing dishes are perfect for this. Depending on how big of a circle and fast you swirl will allow you to also separate larger grains of sand from the smaller ones. The plastic dish can also be bent to form a nice funnel for pouring.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P9luOsH6AxHX-0UzsTdReyr6vTVTSDP_/view?usp=drive_link
I will try to send you some of the weighing dishes in your next package.
Best regards,
Bill
Hello Texas diatom friends,
I would like to highlight one of the common diatom species, Paralia flatoniana, which was newly described by Diane Winter and Thomas Yancey from the collection site in this paper:
Paralia flatoniana sp. nov., a new species from the late Eocene of Texas with discussion on ecology and initial valves
Diane Winter &Thomas Yancey
The long chains are very present in the samples, also the valve and I was able to find a initial valve of it.
best
anne
Paralia flatoniana100-16.jpg
Paralia flatoniana100-30.jpg
Paralia flatoniana100-20.jpg
Paralia flatoniana initiale valve 100-33.jpg
Hallo,
heute nur ein paar kleine Formen die ich als interessant erachte, dich ich im feinen Material gefunden habe.
LG
Michael
Hallo,
Heute nur eine Form, die ich schon mal eingestellt habe, allerding war die da stärker beschädigt.
Diese hier ist fast komplett. Daraus werde ich ein Einzelpräparat machen. Diese Form kommt
nicht all zu oft vor.
LG
Michael
Michael,
I have seen only a few of the square ones in sample K11, and they were also damaged. Here is another form from sample K11.
Greetings,
Bill
Here are some forms from the heavy fraction of sample K2. Mounted in Zrax. Stacked image using Pl Apo 25X/0.65
Hello Texas diatom friends,
I want to add another form from this deposit, very typical but I did not knew it before.
Actinodyction weissflogii and a Stephanopyxis, with valves still together.
best
anne
Actinodyction weissflogii100-48.jpg
Stephanopyxis perhaps100-46.jpg
A few forms from sample K3. The twisted one is found in several of the samples now.
Bill
Dear diatom friends,
I finished cleaning prcedure of K7 yesterday and have done two quick and dirty strews of the last drop in the pot. I just want to show two images of this to the community. This allows them to get a sense of the sample and also to assess that the species shown here tend to be among the rarer finds. The overview highlights the high content of Actinoptychus and the highly dominant Brighwellia (?) or Coscinodiscus bulliens (?) can be seen here.
best
anne
Liebe Anne,
der Thread ist ohnehin der Wahnsinn, aber Deine vollständige Stephanopyxis muss ich immer wieder anschauen. Wunderschön!
Beste Grüße
Peter
Hello Flatonia collaborators,
I want to caution you about sieving and disposing of the filtrate before you analyze it. I have made the mistake several times. I have been using 15 micron polyester fabric as my sieve material thinking that would be plenty. Today I finally checked on the filtrate from sample K3 and found the following after I had done some "gold panning" to remove some of the larger grains of sand. Notice how many forms are in there!! I also provide a similar image of my 15 micron polyester fabric.
Klaus Kemp always told me "don't throw anything away!". I should have listened more closely.
Bill
Hi Bill,
I got loads of forms going through a 10µm stainless mesh too (R1, K2, K3 and K11). The mesh is more of a weave really as you can't see light through it. Forms (and dust) get through the gaps under the overlapped wires.
Panning tiny amounts in a mini petri dish gets rid of some rubbish, but it's a very slow and repetitive process. Quite a challenge to nicely image such tiny forms too.
So far, I've concentrated on cleaning and picking (and re-cleaning). Mounts and pics soon though.
Cheers
Beats
Hello everyone,
I filter out the larger particles (25 µm filter). Everything smaller I decant and filter using the gold panning method.
I've already described this process here.
I noticed that there are very small diatoms in there that pass through the 25 µm filter in the first sample after cleaning.
Best regards,
Michael
Hi everyone,
I've cleaned K7 and K2 and run them for a few hours; here are the results from K7—they haven't been prepaired yet.
Best regards,
Martin
Wow, nice new forms.
Best, Maarten
Lieber Martin,
wie immer akribisch und sehr vollständig!
Tolle Arbeit!
lG
anne
Hallo Martin,
Das ist eine sehr schöne Zusammenstellung, ich habe bis jetzt nicht alle Formen finden können.
Die kleine sternförmige scheint eher selten zu sein.
LG
Michael
Hallo zusammen,
hier habe ich eine kleine Zusammenstellung von der gedrehten Diatomee. Von der ich bis jetzt
nur eine unvollständige finden konnte. Die Fotostacks habe ich aus verschiedenen Positionen
gemacht.
Collage:
Tex-K7-Twist-Collage-1600px.jpg
Eine 3D Ansicht:
Tex-K7-Twist-oben-seite-Stack-3D-1600px.jpg
Gruss
Michael
Hello Michael,
Beautiful images of the twisted form. What sample number did you find it?
There seem to be a few more stars in the R1 sample than in some of the other samples.
Greetings,
Bill
Hello Bill,
It is from K7. R1 was my first cleaning... OK I must look again.
I made today an Arrangement from the K7 sample.
Dear Michel,
FANTASTIC!!
There are several of these forms that I have not observed yet.
Best regards,
Bill
Zitat von: miha in März 23, 2026, 20:12:40 NACHMITTAGSI made today an Arrangement from the K7 sample.
Beautiful arrangement with great variety.
Amazing you got that pennate form 3rd from the right on the 2nd row to stay balanced on it's face too. It's so skinny. I had to swear a lot before I eventually got one to "stand up" properly ;D
Cheers
Beats
Dear Michel,
I think your day must have 48 hours...
Absolutely wonderful and the best overview up to now.
best
anne
Zitat von: Michael K. in März 16, 2026, 17:18:59 NACHMITTAGSHallo zusammen,
Nach dem ich nun die grossen Diatomeen herausgefiltert habe, bleibt jede Menge feinster Sand mit den kleinsten Diatomeen übrig. Mit dekantieren komme ich so nicht weiter. Ein feineres Sieb als 25µ habe ich nicht. Ich habe überlegt wie ich nun den Sand von den kleinen Diatomeen trennen kann.
Ich bin dabei auf die Goldwäscher Methode gekommen. Dazu habe ich das feine Material mit Wasser in ein
Uhrenglas gegeben und kreisförmig geschwenkt. Dabei sammeln sich grössere Sandkörner in der Mitte.
Diese Ansammlung habe ich heraus pipettiert und verworfen. Das verbleibende Material im Uhrenglas habe
ich wiederum geschwenkt. Das sich sammelnde Material, bestehend aus feinen Sand und kleinen Diatomeen habe ich heraus pipettiert und in einem kleinen Glässchen gesammelt. Dies habe ich eine weile stehen
lassen.
Von dem Bodensatz habe ich etwas aufgenommen und auf ein OT gegeben. Es war feiner Sand und kleine Diatomeen zu sehen. diesen OT habe ich leicht im Kreis geschwenkt. Da der Sand kleiner als die kleinen Diatomeen sind, sammeln sich diesmal fast nur Diatomeen ohne den störenden feinsten Sand in der Mitte
des Tropfens. Diese Ansammlung, habe ich herauspipettiert und gesammelt.
Diesen Vorgang habe ich solange wiederholt bis der Bodensatz aus dem ersten Gefäss entfernt ist.
Verklumpungen von Diatomeen, meist an Fasern, habe ich durch 25µ Filterung entfernt.
Nun sind die kleinen Diatomeen so gut wie sandfrei. Es ich eine recht mühselige Methode, die aber
funktioniert. Ich habe mal ein Schaubild bei gefügt.
LG
Michael
Lieber Michael,
die fraktionierte Sedimentation leistet nach meiner Erfahrung auch gute Dienste
https://www.mikroskopie-forum.de/index.php?topic=41337
LG
Bernd
Hello Michel,
That is a very nice Arrangement! I have never seen the round Form (5th row, 4th on the right).
It looks very bizarre.
Greeting
Michael
Zitat von: bill2penn in März 23, 2026, 20:14:40 NACHMITTAGSDear Michel,
FANTASTIC!!
There are several of these forms that I have not observed yet.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Bill,
Thanks, Fantastic to find some species I never seen before.
Let`s hope that you all find this species too.
B R,
Michel
Zitat von: Beatsy in März 23, 2026, 23:55:36 NACHMITTAGSZitat von: miha in März 23, 2026, 20:12:40 NACHMITTAGSI made today an Arrangement from the K7 sample.
Beautiful arrangement with great variety.
Amazing you got that pennate form 3rd from the right on the 2nd row to stay balanced on it's face too. It's so skinny. I had to swear a lot before I eventually got one to "stand up" properly ;D
Cheers
Beats
Hi Beats,
Thanks :)
I have try to use a micromanipulator but I can`t work with.
With the manipulator the diatoms jump on top of the needle and can`t get it off the needle.
I still use a cathair on a wooden stick and that works much better for me.
With this method, you do have to skip the drink. ;D
B R,
Michel
Zitat von: Michael K. in März 24, 2026, 09:42:42 VORMITTAGHello Michel,
That is a very nice Arrangement! I have never seen the round Form (5th row, 4th on the right).
It looks very bizarre.
Greeting
Michael
Hello Michael,
Thanks, it`s a fantastic sample that gives some fantastic not described species.
It will give us a lot of fun the upcomming time.
B R,
Michel
Hello,
I asked our Michael K. if he could provide me with his images of algae #49, #51, and #52 in a format that my AI experiment can read. He said yes and suggested I post the results here.
Enjoy reading,
Carsten
Michael K. Image #49
Identification: Unclear / Probable Sponge Spicule (Amphidisc)
(Size: 90 µm)
1. Structure analysis:
• Symmetry: Bipolar and axially symmetric (dumbbell-shaped). It does not exhibit the classic centric (radial) or pennate symmetry of a standard diatom valve.
• Rib structures & Center: The object consists of a solid, hyaline (transparent), slightly bent central shaft. There are absolutely no visible transverse ribs (striae), no central nodule, and no raphe or pseudoraphe system.
• Areolae pattern: Completely absent. The two expanded, bell-shaped (umbellate) ends show concentric ridges or growth lines, but completely lack any hexagonal areolae network, porous structures, or sieve plates typical for siliceous algae.
2. Best matching algae:
1. Chaetoceros (as an atypical resting spore) – < 10 %
(Note: As per the rules, since the maximum probability for an algae is < 30%, only the single most likely genus is listed).
3. Conclusion:
Based strictly on the visible anatomical features (meristics), this object lacks all fundamental diagnostic characteristics of a diatom frustule. The probability of it being a diatom is well below 30%. While finding undescribed species at new locations is possible, morphologically and given the specific length of 90 µm, this structure perfectly matches a siliceous sponge spicule (specifically an "amphidisc" or "birotulate" from the phylum Porifera). These spicules survive the acid preparation process and are extremely common by-catch in diatom samples. If forced into an algae category, it could only be interpreted as a highly deformed resting spore, but a non-algal origin is the only anatomically logical conclusion here.
Michael K. Image #51
Identification: Neidium iridis
(Size: 170 µm)
1. Structure analysis:
• Symmetry: Pennate (bilaterally symmetric) and isopolar. The valve exhibits a classic elliptical-lanceolate outline with slightly wedge-shaped (cuneate) to bluntly rounded apices.
• Rib structures & Center: A straight, central raphe system is clearly visible. The central nodule/area is relatively small. The most critical diagnostic features are the prominent, straight longitudinal lines (canals or blank bands) running parallel to the valve margins on both sides of the raphe.
• Areolae pattern: The transverse striae are arranged parallel to slightly radiate near the center. Unlike the solid, smooth costae seen in genera like Pinnularia, these striae are finely punctate (porous). These punctate striae are characteristically crossed and interrupted by the longitudinal marginal canals.
2. Best matching taxa:
1.Neidium iridis – 85 % (The combination of distinct longitudinal bands, punctate striae, lanceolate shape, and especially the impressive length of 170 µm are perfect morphological matches for this large species or its direct complex).
2.Neidium amphigomphus – 10 % (Shares the genus-specific longitudinal canals and large size, but typically features much broader, more sharply wedge-shaped apices).
3.Caloneis permagna – 5 % (Can reach similar enormous sizes and has a comparable elliptical-lanceolate shape, but features a different type of marginal line and typically has smooth alveoli rather than distinctly punctate striae).
3. Conclusion:
Strictly based on visible anatomy, the prominent longitudinal bands running parallel to the margins that interrupt the finely punctate transverse striae unambiguously assign this alga to the genus Neidium. Factoring in the substantial length of 170 µm, which eliminates the vast majority of smaller pennate diatoms, Neidium iridis is the most accurate and logical morphological determination. Even if it is a potentially undescribed local variation, it morphologically falls right into the Neidium iridis complex.
Identification: Stictodiscus californicus
(Size: 110 µm)
1. Structure analysis:
• Symmetry: Centric (radial symmetry) with a strictly circular valve outline (discounting the mechanical damage at the upper right margin).
• Rib structures & Center: The valve features a broad, distinct central area that lacks a hyaline (transparent) ring or an organized rosette. Instead, the center is filled with large, clearly separated, and loosely arranged areolae. Radiating outwards from the boundary of this central zone to the outer margin are very prominent, thick radial ribs (costae).
• Areolae pattern: Between the strong radial costae, the areolae are arranged in regular, linear to slightly concentric rows. The areolae in the central field are noticeably larger and more irregularly scattered compared to the strictly ordered, finer pores in the outer radial sectors.
2. Best matching taxa:
1. Stictodiscus californicus – 85 % (The broad central area with scattered large pores combined with massive radial costae is the textbook anatomical blueprint for this species. The measured diameter of 110 µm fits perfectly into its typical size range, a classic morphology often found in Oamaru-type deposits).
2. Stictodiscus buryanus – 10 % (Shares the genus-specific radial ribs and porous center, but typically shows minor deviations in the exact spacing and proportion of the central field versus the radial zone).
3.Arachnoidiscus sp. – 5 % (Shares the prominent macroscopic radial ribs, but is anatomically excluded here because it lacks the definitive Arachnoidiscus features: a central hyaline ring and an inner rosette of elongated areolae).
3. Conclusion:
Based strictly on the visible meristics, the combination of massive radial ribs (costae) originating from a large, unorganized central field filled with coarse areolae clearly assigns this specimen to the genus Stictodiscus. Incorporating the arrangement of the pore rows and the precise diameter of 110 µm, Stictodiscus californicus is the most accurate and logical morphological determination. The mechanical damage at the upper right edge does not impede the structural analysis of the remaining intact valve.
Lieber Carsten,
da hat die KI auf ganzer Ebene versagt, die Bestimmungen sind durch die Bank nicht korrekt.
49 könnten etwas in Richtung Costopyxis sein oder eine ganz andere Diatomee, 51 sieht zumindest auf den ersten Blick klassisch nach Navicula/Lyrella aus und 52 hat überhaupt nichts zu tun mit Stictodiscus.
lG
anne
Ich behaupte ja gar nicht, dass die Recht hat. Im Gegenteil. Ich würde gerne die Problemstellen heraus finden.
Grüße
Carsten
I'm not saying it is right. On the contrary. I'd like to identify the problem areas in determination.
Best regards,
Carsten
Lieber Carsten,
um die Problemstellen zu finden solltest Du am besten einen eigenen Post in einer anderen Rubrik aufmachen. Hier geht es ja nicht um KI sondern um die Dokumentation eines Fundortes.
lG
Anne
Hallo zusammen,
Da hier das Selektieren von Diatomeen angesprochen wurde, möchte ich hier mal meine neue Vorgehensweise darstellen. Ich selektiere unter dem Stereomikroskop. Da ich im Besitz von einem Objektträger mit Zahlenraster ( Objektfinder ) bin, erleichtert dies die Arbeit.
Ich habe den Objektträger mit den Diatomeen auf den Objektfinder gelegt und gegen Verrutschen gesichert.
Zunächst suche ich eine Diatomee unter dem Mikroskop. Wenn ich eine gefunden habe, fokussiere ich auf das Raster des Objektfinders und merke mir die Nummer des mittleren Feldes. Umliegende leere Felder merke ich mit mittels Uhrzeit. Also quasi die Diatomee ist auf Feld 327 / 4 Uhr zu finden.
Dann nehme ich das "Sandwich" herunter und lege es unter das Stereomikroskop. Danach wird die gemerkte Nummer (Uhrzeit) des Feldes gesucht auf der sich die Diatomee befindet.
Den Mikromanipulator habe ich so eingestellt, das die Legeborste; in meinem Fall ist es ein sehr feines Pferdehaar; mit im Sichtfeld zusehen ist. Umliegende, störende Diatomeen werden mit der Legeborste etwas weg geräumt und die eigentliche Diatomee aufgenommen und auf den Extra Objekträger
abgelegt zur späteren Verwendung.
Anstatt der Borste kann man aber auch Glasnadeln oder feinste Wolfram Nadeln verwenden.
Gruss
Michael
Translate:
Hello everyone,
Since the selection of diatoms was mentioned here, I'd like to describe my new procedure. I select them using a stereomicroscope. Having a slide with a numbered grid (object finder) makes the work easier.
I placed the slide with the diatoms on the object finder and secured it to prevent slipping.
First, I search for a diatom under the microscope. Once I find one, I focus on the grid of the object finder and note the number of the center grid cell. I mark the surrounding empty cells by time. So, for example, the diatom is located in cell 327 / 4 o'clock.
Then I remove the "sandwich" (the slide) and place it under the stereomicroscope. Afterward, I locate the cell containing the diatom, corresponding to the number (time) I noted.
I have adjusted the micromanipulator so that the apposition bristle—in my case, a very fine horsehair— which is visible in the field of view. Surrounding, interfering diatoms are gently moved aside with the arranging bristle, and the actual diatom is picked up and placed on the extra slide
for later use.
Instead of the bristle, glass needles or very fine tungsten needles can also be used.
Greeting
Michael
Zitat von: anne in März 24, 2026, 08:16:08 VORMITTAGDear Michel,
I think your day must have 48 hours...
Absolutely wonderful and the best overview up to now.
best
anne
Good evening Anne,
Sometimes I wish some more hours in a day..... :)
Thanks, I hope to see soon some more fantastic work from the Flatonia group.
B R,
Michel
Hello everyone,
here is a pictrue from a very "spiky" Triceratium var. I found it from K7.
Michael
Hello,
I found these two balloons in a dried K7 dusting. They are hollow inside and have a tubular end.
Regards,
Michael
Hello,
Here I have an almost complete shell of the small discus with its five segments. First, I stacked only the upper part, then the entire shell, and converted everything into an anaglyph image.
It's only really interesting in the 3D view, as you can see down through the opening.
Regards,
Michael
View from Top
Tex-K7-Mini-Disc-Stack.jpg
View complete
Tex-K7-Mini-Disc-2-Stack.jpg
Hello diatom friends,
I have done some strew slides of the small fraction of R1 today.
Just to give a kind of impression how this could look like.
best
anne
20-2.jpg
20-3.jpg
A few forms from a sample K2 strew. Stacked brightfield and phase contrast images using Pl Apo 63X/1.40. I like the Auliscus which I had not seen before.
Greetings,
Bill
Hello all,
Here's one from the K7 sample. It's a particularly thick 3-dimensional species, so I included a cross-eyed stereo version too. Shot under 450nm blue light for a little better detail (compared to white light).
Cheers
Beats
Hello,
Wow, what a Picture ! I like it.
Greeting
Michael
Thanks for your comment Michael. It's much appreciated.
Cheers
Beats
Dear Steve,
we all waited very impatiently for your images😉. And now it is like we expected, a ,,best of". Thank you for showing us these great details!
Best and happy Eastern
Anne
Thanks Anne,
I got rather sidetracked into modifying and testing a cleaning method free of restricted chemicals (no H2O2 either). This Flatonia material is convenient for testing because it breaks up easily without freeze/thaw, but suffers enough "stuck on bits" to make it good to test with. Anyway, I've just about got it right now and will document and share details of the cleaning protocol in the near future.
As my first attempts with small subsamples were less than perfect (too many random annoying stuck on bits at the end), I've cleaned another set of subsamples which came out much better. So now I can concentrate on searching strews and photographing the finds for sharing. Well, mostly...
Cheers
Beats
Zitat von: Beatsy in April 04, 2026, 19:53:12 NACHMITTAGSHello all,
Here's one from the K7 sample. It's a particularly thick 3-dimensional species, so I included a cross-eyed stereo version too. Shot under 450nm blue light for a little better detail (compared to white light).
Cheers
Beats
One from K11. The two end-view shots are separate broken specimems put into the same mount. The first is a view of the inside (outer valve removed), the second view is with the outer valve in place. Note the second end is slightly tilted, which is why the shadow of the "stalk" connecting the two diatoms is off-centre.
Cheers
Beats
WOW! what an excellent image Beats!
So two diatoms are physically attached with the connector. I had thought that there were just hooked together like Pyxilla are. Very interesting. Almost like a SEM!
Bill
Ta Bill.
Yeah, the connection is confusing. The cap (outer valve) in the second end view is convex but lacks the "nipples" seen on the side view ends. I've seen these ends ranging from flat to prominently nippled. Almost as if the stalk grows from there, but then how would individuals connect?
I also have a pair of frustules directly joined face to face with stalks sticking out of each side, but nothing connected. Perhaps there's a clue there...
Curiouser and curiouser.
Cheers
Beats
Hello all,
Here's a selection of forms from K11. The image is a panorama of 4 focus-stacked tiles shot with an Oly 40x/0.9 PlanAPO objective under blue light.
It also contains the only square frustule I've found in any Flatonia samples (so far). Unfortunately it's badly damaged but I included it in case I can't find another.
K11-PS4-blu-40x-pano-4k.jpg
This layout was ad-libbed, with each form placed as soon as it was picked out of a strew (made to check cleaning progress). You could call it a "curated strew" I guess, but that sounds a bit pretentious - so I'll just call it "pick and plonk" :)
Regarding cleaning: I'm struggling to get black dots out of some pennates in K11 material (see examples at the top and on the right hand side - could it be tar-based?). Maybe I'm just being too timid with the sodium carbonate boiling, but I'll try again and see if it eventually shifts this dirt without destroying frustules. Anyone else had this issue?
Cheers
Beats
WOW! Nice arrangement Beats!
I have found two partial square ones but they were much more damaged than the one you show. I don't recall have the black dot issues with any of the samples.
Best to all,
Bill
Dear Steve,
absolutely stunning slides as always!
I have to check the black dot thing first. For the moment I pick the forms out of the big fraction.
But I can say, I had samples which were very difficult.
best
anne