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Gyrosigma (Pleurosigmataceae)

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Diagnostic features

Valves identical, each possessing a raphe (genus is biraphid).  Sigmoid or propeller-shaped in valve view (raphe also sigmoid) and boat-shaped in girdle view. Striae form rows in both perpendicular and parallel directions with respect to the long axis of the cell. Chloroplasts golden-brown.

[Gyrosigma], Shag River, X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Gyrosigma, Shag River, X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
[Gyrosigma], X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image
Gyrosigma, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua

Typical habitats

Stony and muddy habitats, including nutrient enriched sites

Classification

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