Fistulifera
Lange-Bertalot 1997 Category: Symmetrical biraphid
TYPE SPECIES: Fistulifera saprophila (Lange-Bertalot et Bonik) Lange Bertalot
CLASS: Bacillariophyceae
ORDER: Naviculales
FAMILY:
- Frustules very lightly silicified
- Striae not visible with light microscopy
- Central sternum distinct
The frustules of Fistulifera are very lightly silicified. Valves range in shape from linear to elliptical. Cells are small (usually < 8 µm) and possess numerous thin girdle bands, up to fourteen or more. Striae are not visible with light microscopy. The central sternum is distinct and may remain in a sample after the thin frustule has been destroyed in standard preparation.
Fistulifera includes the former Navicula pelliculosa (Brébisson) Hilse and N. saprophila Lange-Bertalot. These species grow in a wide range of freshwaters and they may be often overlooked because of their small size and light silicification. Fistulifera can reach high abundance in eutrophic and polluted waters.
Cite This Page:
Spaulding, S., and Edlund, M. (2009). Fistulifera. In Diatoms of the United States. Retrieved May 20, 2013, from http://westerndiatoms.colorado.edu/taxa/genus/Fistulifera
Contributor: Sarah Spaulding | Mark Edlund - January 2009
Reviewer: Sam Rushforth
Citations
Hustedt, F. (1930). Die Kieselalgen Deutschlands, Osterreichs und der Schweiz mit Berucksichtigung der ubrigen Lander Europas sowie der angrenzenden Meersgebiete. In: Dr. L. Rabenhorst's Kryptogamen-Flora von Deutschland, Osterreich und der Schweiz. Leipzig, Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft Geest und Portig K.-G. Vol. 7, Part 3, pp. 557-816.
Lange-Bertalot, H. (1997). Frankophila, Mayamaea und Fistlufera: drei neue Gattungen der Klasse Bacillariophyceae. Archiv fur Protistenkunde 148: 65-76.
Michelutti, P.J., Hermanson, M.H., Smol, J.P., Dillon, P.J. and Douglas M.S.V. (2007). Delayed response of diatom assemblages to sewage inputs in an Arctic lake. Aquatic Sciences 69: 1015-1621.
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.