Phylum: Charophyta Family: Desmidiaceae
Staurastrum brevispina Brébisson 1848
A tri-radiate desmid with smooth walls, occasionally found in the plankton and marginal vegetation of lochs and peaty pools, also disused peat-cuttings. It prefers mesotrophic, slightly acidic waters.
References:
Ralfs, J. (1848) The British Desmidieae
West, W. & West, G.S. (1912) A Monograph of the British Desmidiaceae, Volume 4
Coesel, P.F.M. & Meesters, K.J. (2013) European Flora of the Desmid Genera Staurastrum and Staurodesmus