''Sticholonche'' is a genus of

radiolaria The Radiolaria, also called Radiozoa, are unicellular eukaryotes of diameter 0.1–0.2 mm that produce intricate mineral skeletons, typically with a central capsule dividing the cell into the inner and outer portions of endoplasm and ect ...

ns with a single species, ''Sticholonche zanclea'', found in open

ocean The ocean is the body of salt water that covers approximately 70.8% of Earth. The ocean is conventionally divided into large bodies of water, which are also referred to as ''oceans'' (the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Indian, Southern Ocean ...

s at depths of 99–510 metres. It is generally considered a

heliozoa Heliozoa, commonly known as sun-animalcules, are microbial eukaryotes (protists) with stiff arms (Pseudopodia#Morphology, axopodia) radiating from their spherical bodies, which are responsible for their common name. The axopodia are microtubule- ...

n, placed in its own order, called the

Taxopodida ''Sticholonche'' is a genus of radiolarians with a single species, ''Sticholonche zanclea'', found in open oceans at depths of 99–510 metres. It is generally considered a heliozoan, placed in its own order, called the Taxopodida. However it h ...

. However it has also been classified as an unusual radiolarian, and this has gained support from genetic studies, which place it near the

Acantharea The Acantharia are a group of radiolarian protozoa, distinguished mainly by their strontium sulfate skeletons. Acantharians are heterotrophic marine Plankton, microplankton that range in size from about 200 microns in diameter up to several milli ...

. ''Sticholonche'' are usually around 200 μm, though this varies considerably, and have a bilaterally symmetric shape, somewhat flattened and widened at the front. The axopods are arranged into distinct rows, six of which lie in a dorsal groove and are rigid, and the rest of which are mobile. These are used primarily for buoyancy, rather than feeding. They also have fourteen groups of prominent spines, and many smaller spicules, although there is no central capsule as in true radiolarians.

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