This oceanic phytoplankton is not common, but is widely distributed and is known to occur in all the major seas, from tropical to sub-arctic regions.

[2] The species was first described in 2018, following a study of scanning electron micrographs of samples previously assumed to be of Syracosphaera corolla Lecal, 1966.

They had mostly been collected by vacuum filtration of sea water from many varied environments, but investigation by researchers revealed two distinct morphological types.

[1] The two species are similar with bowl-shaped body-coccoliths covering the entire cell and a partial outer layer of larger exothecal coccoliths.

It was so-named to honour the BBC TV documentary wildlife series, The Blue Planet, as well as in recognition of the programme's presenter, Sir David Attenborough, for his contribution to promoting wider understanding and awareness of the oceanic environment.