UTEX LB 3215 Achnanthes elongata

UTEX Number:	3215
Class:	Bacillariophyceae
Strain:	Achnanthes elongata (Majewska & Van de Vijver)
Medium:	F/2 Medium
Origin:	Marathon, Florida, USA
Description of Location:	Microscopic epiflora growing on the dorsal scute of the carapace of a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) in a rehabilitation facility, collected via toothbrush
GPS:	24.71, -81.10
Type Culture:	No
Collection:	Thomas Frankovich (05/27/2016)
Isolation:	Matt Ashworth (05/27/2016)
Isolator Number:	ChelMyC 26V16 4cpAch-T4
Deposition:	Matt Ashworth (10/07/2022)
Relatives:
Also Known As:
Notes:	This is a raphid pennate diatom, 15-17 µm in length, 3-5 µm in width. The taxon is photosynthetic, with 2-6 chloroplasts depending on valve length. Diagnostic to the genus, this taxon only has raphe slits on one valve; the rapheless valve instead has a central sternum across the apical axis. These diatoms appear to be endemic to sea turtles and manatees and could have applications to research on diatom diversification as well as bioindication on sea turtle and manatee biogeography and health. Publications: doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-19064-0, doi: 10.1515/bot-2016-0114