Staurosirella acidophila sp nov., a new araphid diatom (Bacillariophyta) from southeastern Brazil: ultrastructure, distribution and autecology

Author(s)

Almeida, Pryscilla D. ^{[1, 2]} ; Wetzel, Carlos E. ^[2] ; Morales, Eduardo A. ^[3] ; Ector, Luc ^[2] ; Bicudo, Denise C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Inst Bot, Dept Ecol, BR-04301902 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] LIST, Environm Res & Innovat Dept ERIN, L-4422 Belvaux - Luxembourg

^[3] Univ Catolica Boliviana San Pablo, Herbario Criptogsm, Cochabamba - Bolivia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CRYPTOGAMIE ALGOLOGIE; v. 36, n. 3, p. 255-270, AUG 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

A new diatom species, Staurosirella acidophila, is described from surface sediments and phytoplankton samples from tropical reservoirs in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Description of the new taxon is based on morphological characteristics observed using light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The new species is characterized by having rhombic-lanceolate valves with acuminate to rostrate ends, striae uniseriate, uninterrupted from valve face to valve mantle and areolae elongated, slit-like. Double line of incipient spines is for the first time reported for the genus Staurosirella. It belongs to the group of species morphologically related to Staurosirella pinnata sensu auct. non null. and shares some resemblance with species currently belonging to the genus Punctastriata. Comparison with similar species currently ascribed to the genera Punctastriata, Staurosira and Staurosirella are provided. The new species is described from sites that represent good ecological status (low nutrient concentrations and low pH) for the Metropolitan Region of Sao Paulo. Relative abundances and autecological information complement the present study, which is a contribution to the knowledge of diatoms thriving in environments with good ecological conditions in Brazil. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/13179-1 - Araphid pennate diatoms: taxonomy and ecology of representatives of the genera Fragilaria, Fragilariforma, Synedra and Ulnaria in the State of São Paulo
• Grantee: Pryscilla Denise Almeida da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 09/53898-9 - Paleolimnological reconstruction of Guarapiranga Reservoir and diagnosis of water and sediment current quality of SPMR water supply reservoirs facing their management
• Grantee: Carlos Eduardo de Mattos Bicudo
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants