Phylum: Charophyta Family: Desmidiaceae
Staurastrum tetracerum J. Ralfs 1848
First described by Ralfs (1848: 137, pl. 23: 7) and illustrated by Jenner. Since Ralfs (l.c.) and West, West & Carter's (1923: 118) time, the size concept has increased to included larger cells. It’s a biradiate species with some variability. It’s habitat and pH range are considerable suggesting more than one species may be involved.
Overall cell dimensions: L: 20-40 µm; B: 20-45 µm; Is: 5-6 µm.
Found in the phytoplankton and benthic layer in moorland pools and shallow bogs.
References:
Coesel, P.F.M. & Meesters, K.J. (2013).. European Flora of the Desmid Genera Staurastrum and Staurodesmus.
Ralfs, J. (1848).. The British Desmidieae.
West, W., West, G.S. & Carter, N. (1923).. A Monograph of the British Desmidiaceae, Volume 5.