Cyanophora cuspidata is a species of algae classified as a glaucophyte. It was first identified as a distinct species in 2014, from a strain isolated from Erlangen, Germany in 1967.
Morphology.
Cells of "C. cuspidata" have been reported to be "obovoid to ellipsoidal" in shape, with sizes ranging from 5-12 μm in length and 2-5 μm in width. A distinct tapered "tail" has been reported at the tips of cells, which is unique among "Cyanophora". Cells have only 1-2 plastids. As with other "Cyanophora" species, no cell wall is present.
Use as a model organism.
"Cyanophora" is notable as the only glaucophyte taxon known to possess a flagellum for the entirety of its life cycle. The flagella of "C. cuspidata" has been studied as a method to more accurately place glaucophytes within eukaryote phylogeny.