We found some in Fiji. We were intrigued. They were intrigued. Their interest encouraged us to take time to study this species further. We took lots more pictures, and tried to draw the cells accurately.
Drawings are two-dimensional models.
It was difficult to understand the three-dimensional geometry of the cell, especially the flared end. The cell has different front and back, left and right sides. We made a model out of wire, and checked and corrected it as we more carefully observed dozens of photos and living cells. Science is a collaborative effort. Dr. Rob Rowan at the Marine Lab studies the symbiotic algae in corals.