Diatom skeletons

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75RR
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Diatom skeletons

#1 Post by 75RR » Sat Apr 28, 2018 3:05 pm

Have come across what look like the remains of various diatoms - ID anyone?
Marine, Mediterranean, width of alga is 25µm
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Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)

Charles
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Re: Diatom skeletons

#2 Post by Charles » Sat Apr 28, 2018 8:09 pm

I can't tell. Perhaps they are in girdle view.

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75RR
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Re: Diatom skeletons

#3 Post by 75RR » Sat Apr 28, 2018 8:40 pm

Thanks Charles. I think you are on the right track.

Found this description at westerndiatoms:

Fragilaria frustules are rectangular to lanceolate in girdle view.

Unfortunately there are not many samples of girdle view.
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)

MicroBob
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Re: Diatom skeletons

#4 Post by MicroBob » Sun Apr 29, 2018 8:49 am

You could check whether it is calceous by applying an acid.

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75RR
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Re: Diatom skeletons

#5 Post by 75RR » Sun Apr 29, 2018 8:59 am

You could check whether it is calceous by applying an acid.
Thanks MicroBob, pretty sure it is a diatom frustule. They are also smaller than you might think.
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)

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