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Diagnostic features

A general term for many diatom species that are motile, biraphid, symmetrical, and boat-shaped in valve view. Fine striae cover most of the valve. There is a thickened central sternum. A long golden-brown chloroplast is visible along each side of the valve.

Typical habitats

Common in moderate to good quality streams

Classification

Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Ochrophyta
Class Bacillariophyceae
Order Naviculales
Family Naviculaceae
Common name Diatoms