Pinnularia catenaborealis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), a unique chain-forming diatom species from James Ross Island and Vega Island (Maritime Antarctica)

Abstract: A recent detailed survey of the Maritime Antarctic diatom flora using a fine-grained taxonomy resulted in the description of many new species of Pinnularia in general and the section Distantes, including the P. borealis species complex, in particular. Moreover, DNA-based studies of P. borealis revealed that many more species need to be described within this complex. During a survey of the freshwater littoral diatom flora of James Ross Island (Ulu Peninsula) and Vega Island in Maritime Antarctica, a previously unknown chain-forming species in the P. borealis species complex of section Distantes was cultured from three different localities. Molecular phylogenies based on the nuclear-encoded D1–D3 large-subunit ribosomal DNA and plastid rbcL genes revealed that all cultures belong to a distinct highly supported lineage within the P. borealis species complex. Pinnularia catenaborealis sp. nov. is characterised by the presence of small spines located on a raised, thin silica ridge that almost entirel...