Curved Diatom
Rhoicosphenia curvata
Rhoicosphenia curvata is a widespread diatom characterized by its distinctly curved shape when viewed from the side (girdle view). It primarily colonizes solid substrates such as stones or aquatic plants in both running and standing waters. The species is a significant component of periphyton and serves as an indicator of water quality. Its cell walls are composed of silica and feature fine, parallel striations.
Details
Oxygen production
Produces oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis in the benthos.
Habitat function
Provides microhabitats for bacteria and small protozoa within the biofilm.
Nutrient uptake
Actively takes up silicate for frustule construction as well as nitrate and phosphate from the water column.
Food source for
Microscopic grazers, protozoa, and aquatic insect larvae.
Human use
Used in biological water monitoring to assess ecological status.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary producer; forms the nutritional basis for many benthic invertebrates.
Natural predators
Snails, insect larvae (e.g., mayfly larvae), and other grazers of the macrozoobenthos.
Competitor species
Other epilithic diatoms such as Gomphonema species or filamentous green algae.
Ecosystem service
Oxygen production through photosynthesis and carbon fixation.
Threats
Severe chemical pollution, herbicide input, and extreme acidification of water bodies.
Scientific profile
Protection & threats
Main threats
General degradation of water quality due to toxic substances; loss of macrophytes as substrate due to habitat alterations.