Cylindrical cells, round in valve view and square to rectangular in girdle view. Numerous discoidal golden-brown chloroplasts. Forms long chains that make up prolific grey-green or brown slimes.
Melosira bloom, Kapuni Stream. Photo: Taranaki Regional Council & Manaaki WhenuaMelosira, X1000. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua
Typical habitats
Can form prolific blooms in unshaded stony streams/rivers
![[Melosira] bloom, Kapuni Stream. Photo: Taranaki Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/melosirakapuni2__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)
![[Melosira], X1000. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/melosira3__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)