Diatom possible Surirella?

jc maccagno · Post by **jc maccagno** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 5:12 pm

40X objective 2 sites mountain stream/pond and mountain lake

Mitch640 · Post by **Mitch640** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 5:07 am

I think I may have found the empty shell of one of these, but I only saw it flat on. Are these two individuals, or three?

The curvature is quite an amazing adaptation. Did you get the feeling it was ready to divide into two?

jc maccagno · Post by **jc maccagno** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 10:33 am

Hello Mitch

Certainly an unusual shape. From what I read this is the norm and nothing to do with division. The empty frustules (first set) are from one area and the golden ones from another...both about the same elevation.
I read somewhere that the spiral shape can be more prominent if the diatom is in an enviroment with heavy metal concentrations..can't recall where I read this.

Thanks for looking
John

Gyrosigma · Post by **Gyrosigma** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:19 am

Hello,
The spiral one is Surirella spiralis ( http://www.microscopies.com/DOSSIERS/Ma ... iralis.htm )

And the flat one perhaps Surirella ovalis or ovata...

regards

Dominique

jc maccagno · Post by **jc maccagno** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 3:02 pm

Merci Dominique,

C'est unu bonne reference pour les diatomes.

John