Microscopic beauty: Prize-winning photos

13th place: "Sonderia sp. (a ciliate that preys upon various algae, diatoms, and cyanobacteria)(400x)"

The Nikon International Small World photography contest shines a light on the very small. For decades, the contest has showcased the beauty of photomicrography -- photographs taken through a microscope. Out of 2,000 submissions, the contest chose twenty standouts to honor.

Credit: Diana Lipscomb/ Nikon Small World