Definition
Chrysophyceae is a class within the phylum Chrysophyta, encompassing most of what we call 'golden algae.' They are characterized by their golden-brown pigments, mainly fucoxanthin. These algae are typically unicellular or colonial and live primarily in freshwater. They play a significant role in aquatic food webs as primary producers. Imagine them as the gold-tinted architects of the underwater world ποΈ. They often possess silica scales and store energy as leucosin.