Glossary

diatoms

Plural of diatom.

Used in 108 species profiles

algae
A large and diverse group of simple, typically autotrophic organisms, ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms and including seaweeds, diatoms, and Spirogyra. They're photosynthetic, like plants, and the majority are aquatic.
algae crab
Loose term used to describe any type of crab useful in an aquarium because it eats algae and/or diatoms. In marine aquaria this would include Sally Lightfoot, Emerald and various species of hermit crab. In freshwater the micro-crab Limnopilos naiyanetri fills the same role.
diatom
Large group of algae often referred to as 'brown algae' in relation to aquaria. Most are unicellular but there also exist colonial types. Very common component of phytoplankton.