Colacium
Colacium is a genus of algae belonging to the family Euglenaceae. It has two phases: a motile phase and a sessile phase, where it is found attached to other freshwater organisms.
The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution.
Description
Colacium is a single-celled or colonial organisms. Cells are small, about 20–40 μm, and are similar to that of Euglena, and are metabolic with parietal, lobed chloroplasts each with a pyrenoid, and monomorphic, small paramylon grains. In its typical sessile phase, the cells are attached to a substrate via a mucilaginous stalk or short pillow. Cells divide to form colonies where the cells are attached by branched, dendroidal stalks.Cells of Colacium can grow a flagellum and become motile, escaping from the colony as a free-swimming cell.
Species: