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by Luca Marazzi* ‘Who’ is it? The genus Gomphonema includes numerous species growing on mucilaginous stalks. These diatoms are a symmetrical biraphid, as the bottom part is usually longer and thinner than the top part and they have two raphes, narrow slits that allow them to move over surfaces . Yes, there are diatoms that perform photosynthesis, move and even eat organic matter ! G. parvulum is on the lower end of the size spectrum for the genus ( length from 15 to over 100 µm and width between 5 and 15 µm ).                                      Gomphonema parvulum , partially    obstructed by Eunotia , in a sample  from the Florida Everglades .          Source : Tobias and Gaiser, 2006 G. parvulum and stalks in a sample from Japan; cell body: 48 µm long, 10 µm wide.  Source : http://protist.i.hosei.ac.jp...

by Luca Marazzi* ‘Who’ is it? Tursiocola ziemanii is one of three new species described by FIU’s Dr. Thomas Frankovich and colleagues in a recent paper in Phytotaxa , a journal dedicated to the publication of discoveries on the taxonomy of plants, algae, mosses, lichens and fungi. The name was chosen to honor Dr. Joseph C. Zieman (1943–), in recognition of his generous support of diatom research in, and contributions to our understanding of, Florida Bay. A manatee in South Florida. Source : http://eyeonmiami.blogspot.com/2014/05/did-i-see-manatee-dying-yesterday-by.html Scalebars: a. 5 µm; b)10 µm; Length Range : 20-61 µm;                           Width Range : 2.4-5.2 µm; Striae in 10 µm : 22-25 Scanning electron microscopy photos of Tursiocola ziemanii in a) valve or face view and b) girdle or lateral view . Source : Frankovich et a...

by Luca Marazzi* ‘Who’ is it? Encyonema evergladianum  is a diatom living attached to various substrates, but is also able to move, if it needs to. It was originally described in 1997 by Krammer from samples collected in the Florida Everglades, USA .                   Scalebar = 10 µm     Scalebar = 5 µm   Encyonema evergladianum   (Length range : 16-33 µm; Width Range: 4-6 µm; Striae in 10 µm: 20-22) Where does it live? This beautiful diatom lives in the Everglades periphyton mats,  characteristic multi-color ‘biological carpets’ inhabited by bacteria, fungi and, importantly, by algae attached to soil and plants that feed all sorts of critters. These are in turn eaten by fish that, as we know, become food for birds and for humans too. Nine mile pond .                                            Calcareo...

I know it's been a long time coming, but the Final Four write-up never did get "published" (clicked the wrong button and subsequently became distracted), and the Final Two never got 'writ. This is in large part because the Red Mangrove vs. Periphyton quarterfinal matchup was happening at spatial and temporal scales that exceeded the time limitation of "March." But I also know so many of you have been waiting on tenterhooks for the past six months, so I'm happy to finally report the results of Marsh Madness. (Picture modified. But this was borrowed from Bruce Cochran's book    Marsh Madness: A Lighthearted Look At The Wacky World of Waterfowling . Who knew someone else was wacky enough to base  a series on the idea of "Marsh Madness"?! He apparently  also has   a catchy-sounding book entitled  Revenge of the Trout Zombie: a rollicking river of trout fishing humor .) It looks like after half a year, the mangroves have finally pushed the perip...

Instant replay still While the NCAA final may be over, the long time scale of function in the Everglades means we're just begining the Elite Ate. In the last round , the alligator trumped the spoonbill and the ibis blew away the crocodile. The feral cat continued its siege on the 'Glades, shutting out the once-feared Brazilian pepper.The island apple snail held on against water hyacinth. Floc flopped against sawgrass, the alligator flea forced down the dragonfly, and the mosquito took down the no-see-um. HOWEVER, one match continues in a battle beyond our one-week time scale. Periphyton (3) and Red mangroves (2) remain locked in a vicious tredecuple overtime (i.e. the votes were tied, and I know no one would believe me if periphyton won the coin toss). THEREFORE, this Swamp Sixteen battle rages on, and we need YOUR votes to decide who goes on to face the lean, green, fighting machine of sawgrass. WHO will it be? MORE CAPS FOR THE SAKE OF IT. Periphyton sweaters seem to be creep...

This past week I took my comprehensive exams at Florida International University .  I basically spent five straight days answering questions that my dissertation committee prepared for me.  I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions.  I was excited to show all I have learned and enjoyed the challenging open-ended questions. At the same time it was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do.  Any ecologist would agree, sitting inside for five straight days is depressing especially when you live in Florida and every day is perfect.  Staying motivated was nearly impossible. I started out strong but by the last day it took every ounce of self control to stay at my computer and finish my last exam.  I knew I was close to the end but the exams wear you down and push you past the edge of your knowledge. I spent six weeks studying for my exams. I started without much strategy, frantically reading every paper that related to my committee's topics.  I...

A bit behind schedule due to "rain delays" in the sawgrass fields of play (i.e. I'm just now getting to it. Not sure if it's actually rained out in the 'Glades the past two days. We'll just assume it has). Anywho, the Round of 32 is done and gone, and with only 2 voters many of these matches came down to a coin toss game of chance. You have your bracket below for SWAMP Sixteen. A review of the matchups: Vertebrates: Alligator 1  vs. Anhinga 9: An easy win for the alligator despite little interaction between the two animals: one basked, one dried its wings. The real  competition was between the two side's cheerleaders: Allie and Anne. Snook 5 vs. Roseate Spoonbill 13: The spoonbill sneaked through using its charisma and mistaken identity as flamingo to its advantage. Green sea turtle 6 vs. American crocodile 3 : I really have nothing to say about this game. Ibis 10 vs. Florida panther 2: Wow! I think the voters/teams mistakened this matchup for UM vs. FIU....