Diagnostic features
Very small and lightly silicified. Valves are identical, each possessing a raphe in a distinct central sternum (genus is biraphid). Striae too small to be seen with a light microscope. May not appear like a diatom in shape without close inspection (in which the sternum may be spotted). Chloroplasts golden-brown.
![[Fistulifera], X1000. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/fistulifera_phil1000__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)