Stannophyllum, Haeckel, 1889

Holzmann, Maria, Barrenechea-Angeles, Inés, Lim, Swee-Cheng & Pawlowski, Jan, 2024, New xenophyophores (Foraminifera, Monothalamea) from the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone (equatorial Pacific), Zootaxa 5419 (2), pp. 151-188 : 185

The genus Stannophyllum

We obtained two sequences from a second species of Stannophyllum . This is the most species-rich xenophyophore genus and was placed by Haeckel (1889), Schultze (1907), Tendal (1972, 1996), together with a related genus Stannoma, in a distinct family, the Stannomidae , characterised by the presence of fine proteinaceous fibres that ramify the test. The new species groups with 100% bootstrap support with sequences from Stannophyllum zonarium , confirming that these are genuine Stannophyllum sequences. They consistently form a strongly supported (99% BV) group with Xenophyophore sp. 1. This is surprising since the only available material of Xenophyophore sp. 1 comprises tubular fragments that are morphologically completely different from Stannophyllum (Supplementary Figure 9c, d in Gooday et al., 2017a). The two sequences of Xenophyophore sp. 1 were obtained from one specimen and we would need additional material to examine and confirm its close molecular relationship with Stannophyllum .

Figures

FIGURE 9. Claraclippia seminuda Gooday & Holzmann gen. & sp. nov.; holotype, RC0202 (BC005). A, B, Laboratory photographs taken in Geneva; details of test surface showing stercomate branches, reddish granellare strands, and the surface veneer of fine particles, which was then still partially intact. C–F, Laboratory photographs of fragments consisting mainly of stercomare branches; the photographs were taken in Southampton, by which time the surface veneer of fine particles had largely disappeared.