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Name derivation:

 

 

Classification:

Mastogloia Thwaites ex W.Smith, 1856;  118 of 215 species descriptions are currently accepted taxonomically (Guiry and Guiry 2014).

Order Mastogloiales;  Family Mastogloiaceae

 

Morphology:

Symmetric unicells usually obeserved in valve view, or may form mucilaginous colonies. Elongated linear to lanceolate cells with rounded poles. Valvocopulae form chambers (loculi)along each side in valve view. Valvocopulae may remain associated with valves or be found separately.

Examples in U.K. can be found in Kelly et al. 2005.

Similar genera:

 

 

Habitat:

Found as single cells or joined together within muscilaginous tubes. Freshwater to slightly brackish waters. Abundant in acidic waters with low conductivity.

 

 

References:

Guiry, M.D. and G.M. Guiry  2014.  AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 30 May  2014.

Kelly, M.G., H. Bennion, E.J. Cox, B. Goldsmith, J. Jamieson, S. Juggins D.G. Mann & R.J. Telford  2005.  Common freshwater diatoms of Britain and Ireland: an interactive key.  Environment Agency, Bristol. 

Round, F. E., Crawford, R. M., Mann, D. G. 1990. The Diatoms. Cambridge University Press. New York, NY.

Wehr, J., Sheath, R. 2003. Freshwater Algae of North America Ecology and Classification. Academis Press. San Diego, CA.