Diagnostic features
Pennate diatom, rectangular in girdle view (most commonly seen), connected by the corners to form zigzag chains. Narrow and elongated in valve view, with a pronounced swelling in the middle and a smaller swelling at the ends. Valves identical, neither containing a raphe (genus is araphid). Chloroplasts golden brown.
![[Tabellaria], upper Taieri River, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/tabellaria__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)