Small disc diatom
Cyclotella meneghiniana
This single-celled diatom belongs to the order Centrales and is characterized by a circular frustule made of silica. It occurs in both inland waters and brackish water and is an essential component of the phytoplankton. The cells usually live individually, but can occasionally form short chains.
Details
Oxygen production
High during peak growth phases (algal blooms), contributing significantly to oxygen saturation.
Habitat function
Base of the pelagic food web and pioneer colonizer in nutrient-rich waters.
Nutrient uptake
Efficient uptake of phosphates, nitrates, and especially silicates for the construction of cell valves.
Food source for
Daphnia, rotifers, bivalves, and planktivorous fish.
Human use
Scientific use in paleolimnology and bioindication for monitoring water quality.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary producer in the aquatic ecosystem; serves as a fundamental food source for zooplankton.
Natural predators
Zooplankton (such as daphnids and copepods), sessile filter feeders, and juvenile fish.
Competitor species
Other phytoplankton species such as green algae, cyanobacteria, and other diatoms (e.g., Stephanodiscus species).
Ecosystem service
Production of oxygen and sequestration of atmospheric carbon within the water body.
Threats
Heavy herbicide pollution in water bodies as well as extreme changes in light conditions due to excessive turbidity.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Strong marginal striae, approximately 6-10 in 10 µm. The central area is smooth or finely punctate, typically featuring 1 to 2 (rarely more) eccentrically placed fultoportulae (strutted processes). Characteristic undulation of the valve surface.
Reproduction
Asexual reproduction via vegetative cell division, leading to a gradual decrease in cell size. Sexual reproduction (oogamy) results in the formation of auxospores, which restore the original maximum size.
Protection & threats
Status not on standard scale
Main threats
No immediate threat; the species tends to benefit from anthropogenic eutrophication and climate warming.
Conservation measures
No specific conservation measures required; monitoring is conducted as standard under the Water Framework Directive (WFD).