Phylum: Charophyta   Family: Mesotaeniaceae

Mesotaenium degreyi var. breve W. West 1892

First described and illustrated by West (1892: 131, pl. 20: 6). The brevity of his description matches the varietal name: “On dripping rocks with Amphoridium mougeotii and other mosses, Torc Mt.” This little-known variety is markedly smaller than the nominate without overlap. This gives a much smaller L/B ratio.
Cell dimensions: L: 48-62 µm; B: 26-30 µm; L/B: 1.7-2.4.
Found in atmophytic habitats such as dripping rocks and on moss and other substrates, but also in abandoned peat-cuttings and moorland bogs and pools. Rarely recorded.

References: 
West, W. (1892) A contribution to the freshwater algae of west Ireland.