Denticula
Kützing 1844 Category: Nitzschioid
TYPE SPECIES: Denticula tenuis Kützing
CLASS: Bacillariophyceae
ORDER: Bacillariales
FAMILY: Bacillariaceae
- Raphe eccentric, on a wide, low marginal keel
- Internal fibulae distinct, thickened
The raphe system of each valve is positioned diagonally opposite to one another, demonstrating nitzschiod symmetry. The raphe system is located within a wide, low keel. The raphe may or may not have proximal raphe ends or be continuous across the valve, a feature difficult to see without SEM. Thick internal bars of silica (fibulae) are present and parallel to the striae. The fibulae widen near the valve margins to to form a 'tooth-like' appearance, hence the genus name Denticula.
Denticula species occur in rather diverse habitats. Some species may be locally abundant in carbonate rich waters of moderate conductivity. The genus also contains species characteristic of large oligotrophic lakes, as well as warm springs.
Cite This Page:
Spaulding, S., and Edlund, M. (2009). Denticula. In Diatoms of the United States. Retrieved May 20, 2013, from http://westerndiatoms.colorado.edu/taxa/genus/Denticula
Contributor: Sarah Spaulding | Mark Edlund - January 2009
Reviewer: Sam Rushforth
Citations
Krammer, K. and Lange-Bertalot, H. (1988). Bacillariophyceae. 2. Teil: Bacillariaceae, Epithemiaceae, Surirellaceae. In: Ettl, H., J. Gerloff, H. Heynig and D. Mollenhauer (eds.) Susswasserflora von Mitteleuropa, Band 2/2. Gustav Fisher Verlag, Jena.
Patrick, R.M. and Reimer, C.W. (1966). The Diatoms of the United States exclusive of Alaska and Hawaii, V. 1. Monographs of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 13.