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Diagnostic features

Valves mirror images of each other, each possessing a raphe (genus is biraphid). Distinctively curved and slightly indented on the short edge in some species. Raphe lies beneath fibulae on one edge of the valve (in curved species, this is the short side).  Raphes are on the same side on each valve (unlike Nitzschia, in which they are on opposite sides; however, this may be difficult to discern).

Typical habitats

Lakes, streams and rivers

Classification

Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Ochrophyta
Class Bacillariophyceae
Order Bacillariales
Family Bacillariaceae
Common name Diatoms