Smallest diatom rodlet
Achnanthidium minutissimum
Achnanthidium minutissimum is one of the most common diatom species worldwide, preferably colonizing stones and aquatic plants in lotic and lentic waters. The cells are linear-lanceolate in shape and possess a raphe on one of the two valves. Due to its high reproduction rate, it often appears as a pioneer colonizer in newly created or disturbed habitats.
Details
Oxygen production
Produces oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
Habitat function
Forms biofilms that serve as a habitat for other microorganisms.
Nutrient uptake
Actively takes up dissolved phosphates and nitrogen compounds from the water.
Food source for
Benthic invertebrates and phytophagous fish.
Human use
Used in biological water monitoring to determine water quality.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary producer and basis of the aquatic food web, especially for grazers.
Natural predators
Snails, insect larvae (e.g., mayflies), zooplankton.
Competitor species
Other periphytic diatoms such as Gomphonema species.
Ecosystem service
Oxygen production and carbon fixation in aquatic environments.
Threats
Severe eutrophication, herbicide runoff, and extreme acidification of water bodies.
Scientific profile
Protection & threats
Main threats
Severe eutrophication (leading to displacement by filamentous green algae), extreme acidification, and toxic stress from herbicides.