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Algal factsheet: Planothidium (Achnanthidiaceae)
Diagnostic features
Small pennate diatoms, with differing valves (only one has a raphe; genus is monoraphid). Boat-shaped in valve view, curved in girdle view. Striae radiating from the central area. Rapheless valve has an area lacking striae on one side, known as a "hood" or "horse-shoe" (cf. Achnanthidium). Chloroplasts golden brown.
Typical habitats
The specimens photographed were from a lowland river
Classification
| Kingdom |
Chromista |
| Phylum |
Ochrophyta |
| Subphylum |
Chrysophyta |
| Class |
Bacillariophyceae |
| Order |
Achnanthales |
| Family |
Achnanthidiaceae |
| Common name |
Diatoms |
