Diatoms of North AmericaDiatoms of North America
Return to overview

Guide to Asterionella formosa

Hassall 1850

Asterionella Formosa Guide
Credit: Sarah Spaulding
  1. Valves heteropolar
  2. Sternum narrow
  3. Rimoportula present
  4. Marginal spines present
  5. Apical porefield present

Valves are elongate, narrow, with capitate apices. Valves are distinctly heteropolar. The central sternum is very narrow and may not be distinguishable. The striae are slightly off-set from one another at the central sternum. Irregular marginal spines may, or may not, be present. A single rimoportula is present at the footpole. A small apical porefield is present.

Diatoms of North America is running a fundraising campaign to keep the servers in operation. We need you to reach our $25,000 fundraising goal.

If you use and appreciate DONA, make your DONAtion today.

For the Gift Designation, type "diatom" in the search box and select "Diatom Lab Research Fund". This is the designated fund for diatoms.org.

Donate today