Nannotax Enabling nannofossil research

Description: Coccospheres sub-spherical, without flagellar opening (although flagellae have occasionally been observed). Monomorphic (Pontosphaera) or dimorphic with strongly-modified equatorial coccoliths (Scyphosphaera). Coccoliths are muroliths, central area with variable number of perforations. V-units form narrow outer rim-cycle with anti-clockwise imbrication. R-units form inner rim, with weak clockwise imbrication, baseplate and blanket.

Genera:

	Pontosphaera - monomorphic
	Scyphosphaera - dimorphic. NB In the fossl record only the equatorial coccoliths can be confidently assigned to Scyphosphaera.