Coscinodiscus curvatulus has a clearly visible pseudonodulus on the valve face and has areolae decreasing in size toward the valve margin. Actinocyclus subtilis has a prominent pseudonodule and has areolae arranged in incomplete, non-radiating, wavy rows. Thalassiosira baltica has only a single rimoportula, a double ring of marginal fultoportulae, and a flatter valve face.