Unknown species
Freshwater foraminifera from Ireland
In August 2025, I received several samples from friends who had collected them during their holiday in Ireland. The specimens were preserved in alcohol, so they contained no living organisms. One of the samples came from the sediment of a narrow stream flowing through peatland. In this material, I found several foraminiferal tests. Most resembled those of Lacogromia. Below are some of these tests. Some are empty and often folded or dented; a few still contain cytoplasm.
Unknown species. The test is reddish-yellow in color with a distinct constriction just behind the aperture.
Same specimen as above, but now in HydroMatrix. The alcohol-preserved individual was not well conserved in the water-based HydroMatrix. Nevertheless, a large nucleus is visible—see arrow.
A Lacogromia-like test containing cytoplasm.
Same specimen as above, but now slightly compressed, making the test wall more visible.
Same specimen as above. The plasma was pressed out of the test, revealing dozens of small nuclei, each approximately 10 µm in diameter.
Large empty test, probably Lacogromia.
Empty test, probably Lacogromia.
Empty test, probably Lacogromia.
Empty test, probably Lacogromia.
Lacogromia-like test containing cytoplasm.
Large empty test, likely belonging to Lacogromia.