Pennate diatom
Nitzschia closterium
It is a microscopic diatom, a type of single-celled algae that typically measures about 20–150 micrometers in length. It has a long, narrow, slightly curved shape with glass-like cell walls made of silica, giving it a delicate appearance under the microscope. This tiny organism lives in the sunlit waters of the ocean, where it drifts with the plankton or glides across surfaces using a natural mucus-like secretion.
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About this species
Species identity
It is a microscopic diatom, a type of single-celled algae that typically measures about 20–150 micrometers in length. It has a long, narrow, slightly curved shape with glass-like cell walls made of silica, giving it a delicate appearance under the microscope. This tiny organism lives in the sunlit waters of the ocean, where it drifts with the plankton or glides across surfaces using a natural mucus-like secretion.
Where it lives
It is found in coastal and estuarine waters around the world, from temperate to tropical regions. It lives in the sunlit surface waters and is also common on sediments, rocks, seagrasses, and other underwater surfaces. This adaptable species thrives in nutrient-rich environments and is often abundant in bays, lagoons, and shallow coastal habitats.
Role in the ecosystem
It makes its own food using sunlight and forms part of the base of the ocean food web. It is eaten by tiny drifting animals such as copepods, helping transfer energy to fish and other marine life. During blooms, it also produces oxygen and supports productive coastal ecosystems.
Scientific reference
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Ocean Literacy Connections
This resource can be explored through Ocean biodiversity and Ocean makes life possible.
- How do different ocean conditions create different ecosystems and ways of life?
- How did the ocean help make Earth a place where life could thrive?
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Open the primary producer view and compare this species with related marine life.
FAQ
Can Nitzschia closterium move on its own?
Yes! Unlike many microscopic algae that simply drift with the water, Nitzschia closterium can slowly glide across surfaces by releasing a thin layer of natural mucus through a tiny slit in its silica shell.
Why is Nitzschia closterium made of glass?
Its cell wall is built from silica, the same material used to make glass. This transparent shell protects the cell while still allowing sunlight to reach the chloroplasts inside for photosynthesis.