Bryopsis algae under fluorescence excitation

[Mr31415]

Considered a pest algae in the reef aquarium hobby, and almost impossible to eradicate, I still cannot get over the marvel of its beauty. How can something so beautiful be so unwanted at the same time? Hope you enjoy these.

All were taken with the 40x objective except the first two.

The algae as we see it. This was taken at about 1:2.

10x view of one leaf. The red dots I presume are the chloroplasts fluorescing red under UV excitation due to mainly Chlorophyl a. Chloroplasts are green to the eye due to it absorbing UV, blue and red light but reflecting green.

Closeup of the chloroplasts.

Cloroplasts with other algae (possibly a diatom) attached to it, and some unknown yellow fluorescing organism.

Chloroplasts and some membrane fluorescing cyan-green.

Chloroplasts in red and other tissue auto fluorescing in green.

A collection of small algae (possibly diatoms) attached to the Bryopsis.

Another diatom attached to the Bryopsis stem.

 

[Dino]

Please keep posting these. They're incredibly fascinating. I'd love to get a microphotography setup put together at some point when the funds allow it.

 

[Allmost]

wow ! amazing pics !

 

[Mr31415]

Thanks. Well, you need a fluorescence capable microscope and lots of patience!

 

[Dino]

Jetstream - this is a good forum to read up on doing microphotography. They even have several forums just for the topic microscope photography.

http://photomacrography.net/forum/

 

[JaYbIrD1969]

Your work is incredible! Such a new view of things we've seen a million times. Curious to hear your ideas for future shots. Im sure youll be getting some requests

The quality of your images are very impressive. Have you been in contact with any biology labs? Im sure theyd be interested in your work. You may also want to start watermarking your images to protect them.

Looking forward to more!!!

 

[nikesb]

Making the devil look beautiful