Cyclotella
Cyclotella spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Also called Centric diatom
How to identify Cyclotella
- Under the microscope: small disc or pillbox shaped diatoms that look round from the top
- Center of the disc is smooth or wavy while the outer ring has fine radial lines
- Usually single cells, golden brown
- In the water: rarely visible; large numbers add a slight brown tint
Similar species
Stephanodiscus is similar but has radiating rows over the whole face and marginal spines; Discostella has a starlike pattern in the center.
Profile
| Season | Spring and fall when water mixes, sometimes summer in deeper lakes. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 45 to 60 F |
| Light | Moderate light |
| Depth | Open water, mixed water column |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division |
| Habitat | Lakes, reservoirs and ponds from clear mountain lakes to nutrient rich ponds. |
Why it matters in a lake
A small diatom that shows up in most lab counts and is good zooplankton food. It does not cause problems on its own.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Bacillariophyta |
| Class | Mediophyceae |
| Order | Stephanodiscales |
| Family | Stephanodiscaceae |
| Scientific name | Cyclotella spp. |
Fragilaria
Asterionella
Navicula
Aulacoseira
Ulnaria (Synedra)
Nitzschia
Stephanodiscus
Tabellaria
Melosira
GomphonemaNeed 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