Phylum: Charophyta Family: Desmidiaceae
Cosmarium amoenum Ralfs 1848
There is similarity with C. sphaeroideum but that species is a little larger, especially in breadth giving a smaller L/B ratio.
Cell dimensions: L: 42-59 µm, B: 23-31 µm, Is: 15-17 µm; Th: 21-24 µm, L/B: 1.7-1.9.
Found predominantly in quite acidic habitats, often with Sphagnum. It’s infrequently recorded in the Outer Hebrides, which is surprising given ample suitable habitat.
References:
Kouwets, F.A.C. (2025). European Flora of the Desmid Genus Cosmarium.
Algae Outer Hebrides