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Issue: Vol. 725 No. 1: 21 Oct. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-10-21
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.725.1.9
Page range: 101-108
Abstract views: 186
PDF downloaded: 6

Stomatocyst of Spiniferomonas minuta Nicholls and the extent of morphological diversity of stomatocysts among species of the genus Spiniferomonas E. Takahashi (Chrysophyceae)

Limnological Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 3 Ulan-Batorskaya, Irkutsk 664033, Russia
Limnological Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 3 Ulan-Batorskaya, Irkutsk 664033, Russia
Limnological Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 3 Ulan-Batorskaya, Irkutsk 664033, Russia
Silica-scaled chrysophytes Spinifermonas stomatocysts scanning electron microscopy Lake Baikal Algae

Abstract

Silica‑scaled chrysophytes can form siliceous stomatocysts in addition to scales and bristles, but the morphology of these stomatocysts is known for only a few species. Using scanning electron microscopy, we observed numerous plate-scales of the rare species Spiniferomonas minuta on the surface of stomatocyst Stomatocyst 331 Firsova & Likhoshway, whose species identity had been previously unknown. The stomatocyst is primarily spherical to broadly obovate, has an asymmetrically positioned conical pore, and its surface bears conulae, verrucae, and echinate spines. This morphotype was found in the southern part of Lake Baikal in October at a water temperature of 8.8 °C and pH 8.2. A comparative analysis of known stomatocyst morphotypes in Spiniferomonas species revealed considerable morphological diversity.

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How to Cite

Bessudova, A.Y., Firsova, A.D. & Likhoshway, Y.V. (2025) Stomatocyst of Spiniferomonas minuta Nicholls and the extent of morphological diversity of stomatocysts among species of the genus Spiniferomonas E. Takahashi (Chrysophyceae). Phytotaxa 725 (1): 101–108. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.725.1.9