Thalassiosira

Thalassiosira is a genus of diatoms, which are a type of microscopic marine organism belonging to the algal class Bacillariophyceae. Diatoms are crucial to aquatic ecosystems, serving as a food source for many animals.1

Diatoms are characterized by their unique, pillbox-like cell walls, called frustules, made of silica. These frustules are perforated with intricate patterns. They store food as oil droplets and contain pigments like chlorophyll and fucoxanthin.1

Diatoms reproduce through cell division, which can lead to a decrease in size over successive generations. Spore formation helps restore them to their original size. The genus Thalassiosira specifically includes centric diatoms, which are typically planktonic and have radially symmetrical valves.12