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Staurosira

Staurosira tend to be cruciform in shape, but are known for their frequent shape deformities and irregularities.  Striae are thin and do not meet in the middle.  Cells form colonies linked with spines, but these spines are difficult to see under a light microscope.

S. construens

  • Cells are 6-15 µm in length, 5-9 µm in width.

  • Rows of striae are 14-16 per 10 µm.

  • Cells are cruciform in shape and seem "inflated" as they widen in the middle, to varying degrees.

  • Striae alternate on each side.

For more information, visit diatoms.org here.

S. construens var. binodis

  • Cells are 7-21 µm in length, 4-6 µm in width.

  • Rows of striae are 13-16 per 10 µm.

  • Larger specimens are biundulate, smaller specimens are diamond shaped or cruciform.  The tips come to sharp points.

For more information, visit diatoms.edu here.

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