Scottish-Linked Research Identifies Marine Microbe With Novel Reproductive Behaviour
A newly identified marine microorganism found near Scottish coastlines reproduces by growing offspring inside itself, and could advance omega-3 oil production.
A microscopic organism discovered in association with Scottish marine life reproduces through a process previously unrecorded in its biological group, according to research published in the academic journal Protist.
The creature, named Caledochytrium aldermaii, grows one or more offspring within its own body before rupturing to release them. Scientists from Heriot-Watt University are among those who made the finding.
The research team, which also includes scientists from the University of Stirling, documented the process using electron microscopy. As reported by STV News, those involved described considerable surprise when the footage was reviewed. Nobody had seen this before.
What the Microbe Does and Where It Lives
Caledochytrium aldermaii belongs to Labyrinthulomycetes, a little-studied group of marine microorganisms that break down dead organic matter in saltwater environments.
Specimens have been located alongside Scottish octopuses and their lairs, in association with rainbow trout, and independently within a salt marsh on Scotland's east coast.
Professor Peter Morris, a plant biologist at Heriot-Watt University's School of Energy Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, explained that mature cells develop a large internal chamber in which entirely new offspring form.
Some of those offspring already contain a further developing generation before the parent cell breaks open to release them. Morris said that understanding how the species reproduces is central to assessing its potential in commercial settings such as aquaculture.
The Role of Observation Alongside DNA Analysis
Dr Jane Polglase has studied this group of organisms for close to five decades and founded Heriot-Watt spin-out company Strameno to explore their commercial potential.
She said the team deliberately combined traditional morphological observation with modern genetic methods. Without documenting the microbe's physical behaviour directly, the unusual reproductive process would never have been captured.
Polglase noted that the marine environment contains enormous numbers of microbes about which very little is known. She described Caledochytrium as performing essential ecological work by returning animal and plant remains to the surrounding environment.
The membrane networks the organism leaves behind on surfaces attract marine larvae, which move protein and lipids further up the food chain.
Commercial Potential in Food and Aquaculture
Labyrinthulomycetes have attracted growing scientific interest because they produce elevated levels of omega-3 fatty acids naturally, including DHA, the nutrient associated with oily fish. The cells also consist of approximately 50% protein.
Researchers said Caledochytrium and related organisms could support the production of omega-3 oils and carotenoids, the pigments responsible for pink colouration in certain foods. Both compounds are used in food supplements, infant formula, and animal and fish farming.
The discovery was reported by The Herald, citing work by the international research consortium. Polglase observed that even in 2026, organisms with behaviours entirely new to science continue to be identified.
Knowing how these marine ecosystems function, she said, is necessary for maintaining their health.