Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Surirella (Surirellaceae)


Diagnostic features

Pennate diatom, leaf-shaped to pear-shaped to boat-shaped in valve view (i.e. may be isopolar to heteropolar depending on species). Raphe located entirely around the valve margin (may be difficult to see). Lines of thickened silica originate from the margins of the valve and extend part way towards the centre. Chloroplasts golden-brown.

Typical habitats

Lakes or slow-flowing streams/rivers

Classification

Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Ochrophyta
Subphylum Khakista
Class Bacillariophyceae
Order Surirellales
Family Surirellaceae
Common name Diatoms