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Cymatopleura

Cymatopleura are surirelloid diatoms with a raphe system that wraps around the perimeter of the valve face.  They are typically large diatoms, and have a unique set of wave-like undulations on the valve face.  Cymatopleura live in the bottom sediments of freshwater lakes and rivers, preferring water with basic pH or high in ions.

C. elliptica

  • Cells are 50-220 µm in length, 30-90 µm in width.

  • Rows of striae per 10 µm are 15-20.

  • Cells are oval shaped, with rounded to pointed ends.

  • Back-and-forth undulations are very prominent on the valve face

For more information, visit craticula.uk here.

C. solea

  • Cells are 56-280 µm in length, 13-24 µm in width at the center, 15-36 µm at the broadest part.

  • Rows of striae per 10 µm are 29-34.

  • Valve faces are shaped like peanut shells with pointed ends.

  • Valve faces have horizontal undulations.

For more information, visit diatoms.org here.

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