Leptocylindrus tadriaticus
Morphological Characteristics :
Elongated cell in column shape. Cells connected in long column form with the protoplasms closely contacted and linked. Very thin cell membrane, numerous pigment bodies within a cell.
Size of Specimen :
7-12 mm (diameter)
Distribution :
The diatom can commonly be seen at coastal waters all over the world. Widely distributed in Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, coasts of Japan. India and China. High concentration at spring to early summer in Hong Kong and the South China Sea. However, can also be seen in summer and early winter. Occasionally high concentration of the phytoplankton might result in discoloration of seawater to yellowish brown.
Major Limiting Factors :
Dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and a suitable N:P ratio (about 15-30 by atom).
Toxicity :
Non-toxic, may be harmful due to oxygen depletion at high cell concentration.
