Freshwater Cocconeis species (Bacillariophyceae) from Southeastern Brazil, and description of C. amerieuglypta sp. nov.

Author(s)

Costa, Livia F. ; Wetzel, Carlos E. ; Ector, Luc ; Bicudo, Denise C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BOTANY LETTERS; v. 167, n. 1, p. 17-pg., 2019-10-07.

Abstract

Cocconeis Ehrenberg is a monoraphid diatom genus included in the Family Cocconeidaceae. It occurs in marine and freshwater environments, living attached to a substrate by the raphid valve. Through the documentation of the taxa found in LM and SEM analyses, this study aims to increase the knowledge about freshwater Cocconeis species occurring in Brazilian waters. In addition, one new species is formally described here. Seven samples were chosen from a total of 346 samples investigated for monoraphid diatoms in S?o Paulo state, Brazil, due to their representativeness for Cocconeis biodiversity. These samples include periphytic, metaphytic and surface sediment materials. One sample from Ivory Coast was also analysed to compare a similar taxon with the taxa found. The biodiversity and the occurrence of the genus Cocconeis were low in our study material (nine taxa) despite the great amount of samples analysed for monoraphid taxa. Nevertheless, one taxon was considered a new species, being described here. Finally, this study was based on morphological characters of the frustule observed in LM and SEM analysis, showing the importance of both to better understand the variability of each species and to separate similar taxa. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/04806-0 - Taxonomy and ecology of Achnanthidium (Bacillariophyceae) in the State of São Paulo, Brazil
• Grantee: Lívia Franco da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate