Diatoma
Diatoma spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: zookanthos / CC BY
How to identify Diatoma
- Under the microscope: short rectangle diatoms joined at the corners into zigzag or ribbon chains
- Crosswise ribs across the shell
- Golden brown
- In the water: brown growth in streams and canals, can tint water in spring
Similar species
Tabellaria has a swollen middle and no strong ribs; Fragilaria ribbons are made of thinner cells.
Profile
| Season | Late winter through spring and again in fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 35 to 50 F |
| Light | Moderate light |
| Depth | Attached in flowing water; open water in lakes |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division |
| Habitat | Streams, canals, rivers and cold lakes; often washed into reservoirs and irrigation ponds. |
Why it matters in a lake
A cold water diatom common in canal fed ponds and reservoirs in spring. Harmless.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Bacillariophyta |
| Class | Bacillariophyceae |
| Order | Tabellariales |
| Family | Tabellariaceae |
| Scientific name | Diatoma spp. |
Fragilaria
Cyclotella
Asterionella
Navicula
Aulacoseira
Ulnaria (Synedra)
Nitzschia
Stephanodiscus
Tabellaria
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Want to know what is in your water?
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Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596