Skip to main content
Algal factsheet: Fistulifera (Naviculaceae)
Diagnostic features
Very small and lightly silicified. Valves are identical, each possessing a raphe in a distinct central sternum (genus is biraphid). Striae too small to be seen with a light microscope. May not appear like a diatom in shape without close inspection (in which the sternum may be spotted). Chloroplasts golden-brown.
Typical habitats
Can reach high abundance in eutrophic and polluted waters.
Notes
Likely to be overlooked due to small size
Classification
| Kingdom |
Chromista |
| Phylum |
Ochrophyta |
| Subphylum |
Khakista |
| Class |
Bacillariophyceae |
| Order |
Naviculales |
| Family |
Naviculaceae |
| Common name |
Diatoms |
