Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
Type: Article
Published: 2016-01-19
Page range: 289–297
Abstract views: 16
PDF downloaded: 1

Williamsella iraqiensis sp. nov., a new diatom (Bacillariophyta, Fragilariophyceae) from Sawa Lake, South Iraq

Department of Marine Biology, Marine Science Center, University of Basra, Iraq
Museum of Natural History and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA, 80309
Department of Marine Biology, Marine Science Center, University of Basra, Iraq
Williamsella new species diatoms Iraq Sawa Lake epiphytic Algae

Abstract

A new species of the genus Williamsella (Fragilariophyceae) is described from a saline lake in southern Iraq. Williamsella iraqiensis sp. nov. was found free living and as epiphyte on Chara sp. in Sawa Lake. This species is the second described of the genus Williamsella which was originally reported from Blue Lake warm springs, Utah, USA. Williamsella iraqiensis sp. nov. and W. angusta can be readily distinguished under LM by having a relatively wide sternum which results from shorter striae along valve margin. Description of valve ultrastructure and comparison with other related genera such as Fragilaria is provided. Williamsella iraqiensis is a brackish water species preferring warm waters.