Club-shaped diatom
Gomphonema acuminatum
The club-shaped diatom is a unicellular organism belonging to the diatoms. Its silica frustule is heteropolar, with one end significantly wider than the other, resembling a club. It typically lives epiphytically or on stones in freshwater environments, often producing mucilaginous stalks for attachment. This species is an essential primary producer in rivers and lakes.
Details
Oxygen production
Releases oxygen directly into the water during photosynthesis.
Habitat function
Forms biofilms that serve as microhabitats and food sources for microorganisms.
Nutrient uptake
Absorbs dissolved silicate for frustule construction as well as nitrogen and phosphorus.
Food source for
Primary food source for benthic invertebrates and grazers.
Human use
Used in science for reconstructing paleo-environmental conditions and for monitoring water quality.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary producer and base of the food web in benthic habitats.
Natural predators
Zooplankton, aquatic snails, and insect larvae (grazers).
Competitor species
Other periphytic algae and diatom species.
Ecosystem service
Oxygen production and fixation of atmospheric carbon.
Threats
Eutrophication of water bodies, input of herbicides, and extreme turbidity.
Scientific profile
Protection & threats
Main threats
Eutrophication (nutrient enrichment), chemical pollution from herbicides, acidification of water bodies, and physical destruction of the littoral zone due to bank stabilization.