Fig. 4. Biofouling of byssal threads exposed to field conditions for three weeks during the summer decay experiment. (A) Compound microscope photograph of distal region and adhesive plaque of a byssal thread (at 16x magnification). Note the extensive biofouling by chain-forming diatoms. (B) SEM image of distal portion of a byssal thread in which a diatom is partially embedded. Image provided by Shanna Brazee.