A&B = Two living cells; C&D = Valve (arrowhead=pseudonodulus, arrows=labiate processes). (A=BF, B-D=DIC)
Life-form: Solitary
Size: Diameter = 50-300 µm, var. tenellus 18-48 µm
Resting spore:
Note: Several varities are described. Botten form which can be common in coastal plankton
Distinctive features:
Similar species:
Distribution: Worldwide
Literature:
Drebes, G. 1974. Marines Phytoplankton, Eine Auswahl der
Helgoländer Planktonalgen (Diatomeen, Peridineen). Georg Thieme
Verlag, Stuttgart. 186 pp.
Hasle, G. R. & Syvertsen, E. E. 1996. Marine diatoms. In: Tomas, C. R. (ed.) Identifying marine diatoms and dinoflagellates. Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, p. 5-385.
Hendey, N. I. 1964. An introductory account of the smaller algae of British coastal waters. Part 5: Bacillariophyceae (Diatoms). HSMO, London. 317 pp.