Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Algal factsheet: Naviculoid diatoms (Naviculaceae)


Diagnostic features

A general term for many diatom species that are motile, biraphid, symmetrical, and boat-shaped in valve view. Fine striae cover most of the valve. There is a thickened central sternum. A long golden-brown chloroplast is visible along each side of the valve.

Typical habitats

Common in moderate to good quality streams

Notes

The genus Navicula has been split into several genera.

Classification

Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Ochrophyta
Subphylum Khakista
Class Bacillariophyceae
Order Naviculales
Family Naviculaceae
Common name Diatoms