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Diagnostic features

Valves differ from each other (only one has a raphe; i.e. the genus is monoraphid). Raphid valve is strongly arched in girdle view. Very small, narrow cells. Araphid valve still has a space between the lines of striae (unlike Achnanthes), but this does not contain a raphe. Cells may be attached to surfaces by a mucilaginous stalk.

Typical habitats

Our records come from swamps and slow-flowing rivers

Classification

Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Ochrophyta
Class Bacillariophyceae
Order Achnanthales
Family Achnanthidiaceae
Common name Diatoms