Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Cocconeis placentula (Cocconeidaceae)


Diagnostic features

Valves differ from each other (only one has a raphe; i.e. the genus is monoraphid).  Oval to almost circular in valve view. Often attached in large numbers to plant surfaces. The species is flat, as opposed to C. pediculus which is curved ("saddle-shaped").

Typical habitats

Moderate to good quality streams and rivers everywhere

Classification

Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Ochrophyta
Class Bacillariophyceae
Order Achnanthales
Family Cocconeidaceae
Common name Diatoms