RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
A1 Van de Vijver, Bart
A1 Robert, Käthe
A1 Witkowski, Andrzej
A1 Bosak, Suncica
T1 Majewskaea gen. nov. (Bacillariophyta), a new marine benthic diatom genus from the Adriatic Sea
JF Fottea
YR 2020
VO 20
IS 2
SP 112
OP 120
DO 10.5507/fot.2020.001
UL https://fottea.czechphycology.cz/artkey/fot-202002-0002.php
AB During a survey of the diatom flora attached to carapaces of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Adriatic Sea, a large population of an unknown marine achnanthoid species was observed that could not be assigned to any of the currently described monoraphid diatom genera. Detailed morphological analysis based on scanning electron microscopy observations and comparison with a large number of monoraphid genera such as Madinithidium, Scalariella, Kolbesia and Karayevia, resulted in the description of the new benthic marine genus Majewskaea gen. nov. with the newly described Majewskaea istriaca sp. nov. as generitype. The new genus is characterized by a sternum valve showing a clear recurving ridge surrounding the entire valve margin, the presence of macroareolae closed internally by perforated hymenes, separated by a longitudinal hyaline area, a well-developed sternum and vestigial raphe slits. The raphe valve has a simple straight raphe with bent terminal fissures, a very fine striation pattern composed of macroareolae cut in two by a longitudinal hyaline zone, and a very shallow mantle. The new genus is illustrated using both LM and SEM observations and compared with other resembling marine and brackish Planothidium monoraphid species.