Discostella
Discostella spp. · Phytoplankton
Under the microscope · Photo: CC0
Also called Cyclotella (old name), Cyclotella stelligera
How to identify Discostella
- Under the microscope: very small round diatoms with a star shaped pattern in the center
- Outer ring of fine radial lines
- Single cells
- In the water: not visible
Similar species
Cyclotella lacks the starlike center; Stephanodiscus has rows of dots over the whole face.
Profile
| Season | Spring through fall. |
|---|---|
| Starts | About 45 F and up |
| Light | Moderate light |
| Depth | Open water |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Cell division |
| Habitat | Lakes and reservoirs, often clear to moderately nutrient rich. |
Why it matters in a lake
Small diatoms once in Cyclotella, common in lake counts. Harmless.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Chromista |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Bacillariophyta |
| Class | Mediophyceae |
| Order | Stephanodiscales |
| Family | Stephanodiscaceae |
| Scientific name | Discostella spp. |
Fragilaria
Cyclotella
Asterionella
Navicula
Aulacoseira
Ulnaria (Synedra)
Nitzschia
Stephanodiscus
Tabellaria
MelosiraNeed a hand?
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Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596