Eunotia enigmatica sp. nov., a new planktonic diatom from Brazil and the transfer of Fragilaria braunii Hustedt to the genus Peronia (Bacillariophyceae)
Authors
L.F. Costa, C.E. Wetzel, L. Ector, D.M. Williams and D.C. Bicudo
Reference
Fottea, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 103-113, 2017
Description
Eunotia is a diatom genus characterized by the short raphe system restricted to both valve poles and by the presence of rimoportula. As part of a survey examining the genus, Eunotia enigmatica sp. nov. is described from ultraoligo- to oligotrophic and slightly acidic reservoirs in São Paulo State, southeast Brazil. The species is quite peculiar having a ‘fragilarioid’ aspect with long cells, spines and a short distinct raphe. It was commonly found in the planktonic community as well as on sediments of the studied reservoirs and seems to be adapted to an open water existence, such as similar species E. croatana and E. pseudofragilaria, described from North America. Additionally, the type material of Fragilaria braunii was analysed on light and scanning electron microscopy and a new combination is proposed in the genus Peronia.
