Krammer 2003      Category: Asymmetrical biraphid
TYPE SPECIES: Cymbella delicatula Krammer




CLASS: Bacillariophyceae
  ORDER: Cymbellales
    FAMILY: Cymbellaceae

  1. Valves narrow, slightly asymmetrical to apical axis
  2. Valves symmetrical to the transapical axis
  3. Terminal raphe fissures deflected dorsally
  4. Stigmata and apical pore fields absent

Delicata valves are slightly asymmetrical to the apical axis and symmetrical to the transpical axis. The valve shape is narrow and lanceolate. The raphe is distinctly lateral and becomes reverse-lateral at the proximal ends. The terminus of the raphe is thin, comma shaped, and terminal raphe fissures are deflected toward the dorsal side. Valves lack a distinct central area. Stigmata are absent. The striae are fine and usually number more than 18 in 10 µm.

Delicata was recently segregated from Cymbella sensu lato.

Cite This Page:
Spaulding, S., and Edlund, M. (2008). Delicata. In Diatoms of the United States. Retrieved January 19, 2017, from

Contributor: Sarah Spaulding | Mark Edlund - December 2008
Reviewer: Sam Rushforth - May 2010