The genus Cyclotella (Kützing) Brébisson is one of the most well-known genera among diatomists who study centric diatoms. It is commonly known in Japan as ?taiko?keiso?, ?taiko? meaning drum and ?keiso? meaning diatom in Japanese respectively. Most recently Hakansson (2002) established the genus Puncticulata, moving 9 taxa from Cyclotella while Houk & Klee (2004) established the genus Discostella, transferring 15 of the so called ?stelligeroid taxa? from Cyclotella. This work provides information on the taxonomical characteristics of the species of these three genera found in Japan along with a practical guide to help in their correct identification.weiterlesen