(Meneghini) San Leon 1848 Category: Centric
TYPE SPECIES: Melosira (Pleurosira) thermalis (Meneghini) San Leon
Pleurosira has very large orbicular valves with 2-4 prominent ocelli, the number depending on salinity. The ocelli secret mucopolysaccaride pads that join cells together in large, zig-zag colonies. A single rimoportula is positioned near the center of the valve face. Colonies form filaments that are visible in streams.
Pleurosira is widely distributed in naturally saline waters and polluted waters. In older literature it was reported as a Biddulphia or Cerataulus.
Cite This Page:
Spaulding, S., and Edlund, M. (2008). Pleurosira. In Diatoms of the United States. Retrieved May 25, 2016, from http://westerndiatoms.colorado.edu/taxa/genus/Pleurosira