UTEX Number: | 3218 |
Class: | Bacillariophyceae |
Strain: | Achnanthes elongata (Majewska & Van de Vijver) |
Medium: | F/2 Medium |
Origin: | Georgia, USA |
Description of Location: | Microscopic epiflora growing on the dorsal scute of the carapace of a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), collected via toothbrush |
GPS: | |
Type Culture: | No |
Collection: | Mike Arendt (06/2017) |
Isolation: | Matt Ashworth (06/14/2017) |
Isolator Number: | GAturtleZ6 4cpAchL23 |
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 |