I find Raphidiophrys viridis among the floating plants in the Simmelried. However, the species occurs only sporadically. I have records from May 2005 and then again 20 years later in June-July 2025. I found the colonies particularly frequently in old samples and on the walls and bottom of the vessels.

The colonies of Raphidiophrys viridis are very conspicuous in the samples, with a diameter of about 200 µm and green-colored cells (s. figs. 1, 2 and 3). The cells lie close together in the colonies and do not form long, slender plasma bridges like Raphidiophrys elegans. However, the essential distinguishing feature are the scales covering the colonies, which in Raphidiophrys viridis are elongated rods with tapered ends. They resemble the shape of a boat (s. figs. 9 and 10). In my population, the scales were 25–35 µm long. They are said to have fine striations and small papillae at the poles, but I was unable to detect these.

According to my observations, the nucleus has a large, central nucleolus (s. fig. 6). The numerous symbiotic algae in the cytoplasm have a slightly irregular shape and a diameter of 5.0–6.5 µm. They have a pyrenoid and their own cell nucleus (s. figs. 7 and 8). In addition, the cytoplasm always contained some highly refractive granules. They do not appear to belong to the genus Chlorella. The symbiotic algae of Rhaphidiophys viridis resemble those of Raphidiophrys elegans.

More images and information on Raphidiophrys viridis: Ferry Siemensma-Microworld-Raphidiophrys viridis