Cocconeis
Cocconeis spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: Mark Richman / CC BY
How to identify Cocconeis
- Under the microscope: flat, oval diatoms stuck tightly to plants and filamentous algae
- Fine radiating lines across the oval shell
- In the water: forms a thin brown coating on submerged plants
Similar species
Navicula is boat shaped and moves; Cocconeis lies flat and does not glide.
Profile
| Season | Spring through fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 45 F and up |
| Light | Moderate light |
| Depth | Attached to surfaces |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division |
| Habitat | On submerged plants, filamentous algae, rocks and liners in ponds, lakes and canals. |
Why it matters in a lake
Very common on pond plants and Cladophora. Shows up in water samples from weedy ponds. Harmless.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Bacillariophyta |
| Class | Bacillariophyceae |
| Order | Achnanthales |
| Family | Cocconeidaceae |
| Scientific name | Cocconeis spp. |
Fragilaria
Cyclotella
Asterionella
Navicula
Aulacoseira
Ulnaria (Synedra)
Nitzschia
Stephanodiscus
Tabellaria
MelosiraNeed a hand?
Want to know what is in your water?
Lab counts of the algae in your lake show what is growing, how much and whether a bloom is coming.
Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596