DESCRIPTION OF HYALOSIRA TROPICALIS SP. NOV. (BACILLARIOPHYTA) WITH NOTES ON THE STATUS OF HYALOSIRA KÜTZING AND MICROTABELLA ROUND

Abstract

A new diatom species, Hyalosira tropicalis Navairo, from the southern coast of Puerto Rico, is described. It has also been observed in samples collected from St. Croix, Virgin Islands and Guam. Examination in LM and SEM revealed that H. tropicalis differed from other related species in the genus by virtue of its striae density, lack of septae, and internal apical costae. The genus Microtabella Round is transferred to Hyalosira due to the priority of the latter genus. Upon further study, other species within the genus Striatella may be found to belong in Hyalosira.