A = Valve with pili (Dry preparation) (DIC); B = Valve with pili (arrow=ocellulus, arrowhead=groups of small papillae) (SEM)
Life-form: Solitary or united in chains
Size: Apical axis 2-30 µm, transapical axis 2-3 µm
Resting spore:
Note: Morphologically a very variable species. It is best studied in TEM
Distinctive features: One valve convex and often with pili with short branches near base, the other valve is concave and lacking pili. Apex bearing an ocellulus
Similar species: M. scriptus
Distribution: Widely
Literature:
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.
Hasle, G., von Stosch, H.A. & Syvertsen. E.1983. Cymatosiraceae, a new diatom family. Bacillaria. 6: 9-156.
Takano, H. 1990. Diatoms. In "Red tide organisms in Japan-An illustrated taxonomic guide". (Y. Fukuyo, H. Takano, M. Chihara & K. Matsuoka eds.). Uchida Rokakuho, Tokyo, p. 162-331.