Diagnostic features
Pennate diatom, leaf-shaped to pear-shaped to boat-shaped in valve view (i.e. may be isopolar to heteropolar depending on species). Raphe located entirely around the valve margin (may be difficult to see). Lines of thickened silica originate from the margins of the valve and extend part way towards the centre. Chloroplasts golden-brown.
![[Surirella], north Taranaki, X400. Photo: Taranaki Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/surirella400__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)
![[Surirella], Lake Rotoroa, Hamilton, X640. Photo: Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/surirella5__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)