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cosc_BF

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cosc_pc

cosc_pc

Genus: Coscinodiscus | Diatom

Common West Coast species: C. centralis, C. granii

Order: Biddulphiales

Family: Coscinodiscaceae

Description: Cells are disc-shaped, cylindrical or wedge-shaped, and solitary. Distinct rosette of large areolae in the center of the valve. Numerous chloroplasts.

Cell Size: Diameter (apical axis) 30-500um

Distribution: Widespread - warm water to boreal.

Interesting Facts: Usually regarded as one of the largest marine planktonic diatom genera (400–500 taxa described and identified).

IFCB images
This Phytoplankton Identification page is affiliated with CeNCOOS and HABMAP, and is maintained by the Kudela Lab at the University of California Santa Cruz. Details about site history, funding, and sources of information and images can be found here.