Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Tabellaria flocculosa (Tabellariaceae)


Diagnostic features

Pennate diatom, rectangular in girdle view (most commonly seen), connected by the corners to form zigzag chains. Narrow and elongated in valve view, with a pronounced swelling in the middle and a smaller swelling at the ends. Valves identical, neither containing a raphe (genus is araphid).  Chloroplasts golden brown.

Typical habitats

Wide range of slow-flowing or stagnant habitats

Classification

Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Ochrophyta
Subphylum Khakista
Class Bacillariophyceae
Order Tabellariales
Family Tabellariaceae
Common name Diatoms