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Melosira varians

Algal factsheet: Melosira varians (Melosiraceae)

Melosira bloom, Kapuni Stream
Melosira, X1000

Diagnostic features

Cylindrical cells, round in valve view and square to rectangular in girdle view. Numerous discoidal golden-brown chloroplasts. Forms long chains that make up prolific grey-green or brown slimes.

Typical habitats

Can form prolific blooms in unshaded stony streams/rivers

Notes

Commonly the subject of pollution complaints.

Classification

Kingdom	Chromista
Phylum	Ochrophyta
Subphylum	Khakista
Class	Bacillariophyceae
Order	Melosirales
Family	Melosiraceae
Common name	Diatoms