Nannotax Enabling nannofossil research

Description: Coccospheres ellipsoidal with a prominent flagellar opening. Coccoliths are arranged spirally round the coccosphere and may vary slightly in size and shape from the antapex to the flagellar pole.
Coccolith structure - Outer rim (V-units) of the coccoliths are modified into a helical flange, ending in a wing or spike. R-units form the baseplate and extend to form blanket of small elements. Central-area bars may be conjunct, disjunct or absent.

Taxa included: family contains only one genus, Helicosphaera