Licmophora colosalis sp. nov. (Licmophoraceae, Bacillariophyta), a large epiphytic diatom from coastal waters. Issue 4 (1st July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Belando, María Dolores; Aboal, Marina; Jiménez, Juan F.; Marín, Arnaldo
• Is Part Of: Phycologia. Volume 55:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 393
• Page End: 402
• Publication Date: 2016-07-01
• Subjects: Benthic diatoms -- Epiphytes -- Giant cells -- Marine diatoms -- Mediterranean coast; Algology -- Periodicals; Algae -- Periodicals; Algae; Natuurkunde; Algae; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 579.805
• DOI: 10.2216/15-108.1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-8884

Abstract

Abstract: The characteristic wedge-shape and large size of some diatom species in the genus Licmophora can make them seem relatively easy to identify. However, this is not always the case, as many specific diagnoses are based solely on light microscopy, type material is not available and species may be difficult to distinguish from each other. This study provides the description and phylogenetic position of Licmophora colosalis sp. nov ., which has large cells and extremely long dichotomously branched stalks that form macroscopic arborescent colonies. Material for this study was collected from a hypersaline Mediterranean lagoon but this species has also been reported from Florida and the Red Sea. It was studied using scanning electron microscopy and sequencing of the nuclear small subunit rDNA (SSU) and the chloroplast marker rbc L. Its colonies and cell morphometry are compared with three morphologically similar taxa: Licmophora remulus, Licmophora gigantea and Licmophora grandis .