UTEX LB 3218 Achnanthes elongata

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