Light microscopy identification notes

Valve View: Circular shape with 6 alternating raised and lowered segments. Each raised segment has a marginal labiate process. Central area is hexagonal and non-areolated. Chloroplasts are large and in high numbers.

Girdle View: A wavy outline. The height (pervalvar axis) of the cell smaller than the diameter.

Can be found as individual cells or grouped together.

Diameter (μm)	Pervalvar axis (height) (μm)	Areolae per 10 μm	No. of segments
20-150	10-70	4-7	6

References

Kraberg, A., Baumann, M and Dürselen, C-D,. (2010) Coastal Phytoplankton Photo Guide for Northern European Seas. pp. 51. München: Verlag Dr. Friedrich Pfeil.

Hasle, G.R., and Syvertsen, E.E. (1997) Identifying Marine Phytoplankton. pp. 141. Edited by C.R. Tomas. San Diego: Academic Press.

2023/24	King's Lynn estuary	Wells Quay	Cromer Pier	Gorleston Pier
April	✅	✅	✅	✅
May	✅		✅	✅
June		✅		✅
July	✅			✅
August	✅	✅
September
October	✅			✅
November		✅
December	no data	✅	✅	✅
January		✅	✅	✅
February		✅	✅	✅
March		✅		✅