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Diatoms

(21)

(20)

Distinguishing Features: Glass casing (silica), visible photosynthetic pigments that give them a green, brown, or yellow coloration

Morphological Shape: Symmetrical, which can result in beautiful colonies

Size: 2-500 microns

Source of Energy: Photosynthesis; absorb nutrients from the water column

Reproduction: Sexual and clonal

Most Common During: Fall and Spring

Taxonomic Groups Observed in Seneca Lake:

  • Asterionella 

  • Tabellaria

  • Diatoma 

  • Fragilaria

  • Synedra

  • Cymbella

  • Cocconeis

  • Melosira

  • Rhoicosphenia

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