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Genus: Chaetoceros | Diatom Common West Coast species: C. didymus, C. decipiens, C. debilis, C. convolutus, C. constrictus, C. compressus, C. radicans Order: Biddulphiales Family: Chaetocerotaceae
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Description: Cells form chains that are coiled, curved or straight. Long setae emerge from corners of cells. A few solitary species are found in Monterey Bay. One of the largest genera of diatoms, roughly 400 species, most of which are marine. Some species form resting spores and/or auxospores. Cell Size: Width (apical axis) varies with species, roughly ranges from <10 um to 50um. Distribution: Chaetoceros spp. are often dominant components of the phytoplankton community in Monterey Bay, and they are widespread throughout the world’s oceans.
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