Bacteriastrum spp.
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| Taxonomic Group: | Diatom |
| Trophic Status: | Autotrophic |
| Size Range: | 6-15 μm diameter (Cupp 1943); 6-20 μm diameter (Tomas 1997) |
| Key Characteristics: | Cells cylindrical, with more than two setae per valve, regularly arranged around its margin; terminal setae differ from the others, not fused or branched and often curved; setae of adjacent cells fused for a certain distance, dividing further out and branching (bifurcation); chloroplasts small and numerous |
| Confused With: | Chaetoceros species, which have generally two setae per valve |
| Toxin: | None known |