Diploneis sp.

Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W. & Pennesi, Chiara, 2018, Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq, Phytotaxa 372 (2), pp. 111-152 : 126

Diploneis sp. ( Fig. 43 )

Features: Length 40–56 μm, width 18–28 μm, striae 9–11 in 10 μm.

Description: Valves broadly elliptical, slightly constricted at the center with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Central valve shows an apically dilated nodule and three parallel transapical striae on each side of the valve. Axial area narrow longitudinal canals linear and small. Transapical striae radiate are more radiate near the apices.

Remarks: The specimens observed look similar to Diploneis didyma (Ehrenberg) Ehrenberg (1839: 18) but are more constricted in the middle and having more rounded apices.

Ecology and Distribution: Rare in Basra corals.

Figures

FIGURES 38–51. Marine benthic diatoms in coral reefs off Basra. Fig. 38. Diploneis gemmatula, Fig. 39. Diploneis nitescens, Fig. 40. Diploneis smithii, Figs 41, 42. Diploneis weissflogii, Fig, 43. Diploneis sp., Fig. 44. Navicula arenaria, Fig. 45. Navicula cancellata, Figs 46–48. Navicula carinifera, Fig. 49. Navicula cf. cincta, Fig. 50. Navicula directa, Fig. 51. Navicula distans.