Dinastridium Pascher, 1927

Holotype species: Dinastridium sexangulare Pascher

Currently accepted name for the type species: Gymnodinium chiastosporum (T.M.Harris) Cridland

Original publication and holotype designation: Pascher, A. (1927). Die Süsswasser-Flora Deutschlands, Österreichs und der Schweiz. Volvocales = Phytomonadinae. Vol. 4 pp. 505. Jena: Fischer.

Description: Cell of irregular, disk-like shape with 6 (5-8) spines, diam. 35-55 µm. Cell content with numerous chloroplasts. Cell division either by 2 autospores of the same shape as the mother cells or by development of 2-4 Gymnodinium-like swarmers, each with a prominent eyespot. There is some discussion whether this genus is a member of the Phytodinales or whether it represents only a cyst of other dinoflagellates. Freshwater, in fens and similar small water bodies, sometimes epiphytic, very rare, Europe, South America.

Information contributed by: M. Elbrächter. The most recent alteration to this page was made on 2018-10-26 by M.D. Guiry.

Taxonomic status: This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Moestrup, Ø. & Calado, A.J. (2018). Süßwasserflora von Mitteleuropa. Dinophyceae. Vol. 6 pp. [i]-xii, [1]-560, 421 figures. Berlin: Springer Spektrum.

Comments: "Probably an artificial genus, in which two of the three known species are characterized by either being bipolar with 3 spines at each end, or by having 5–6 spines (sometimes bipartite) scattered on the cell surface. In one species the wall is irregularly wavy, but no clear spines were described." (Moestrup & Calado 2018: 411).

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Contributors
Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera, organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA) and intended to be published in CD format. These AlgaeBase descriptions are now being continually updated, and each current contributor is identified above. The PSA and AlgaeBase warmly acknowledge the generosity of all past and present contributors and particularly the work of Dr Parker.

Descriptions of chrysophyte genera were subsequently published in J. Kristiansen & H.R. Preisig (eds.). 2001. Encyclopedia of Chrysophyte Genera. Bibliotheca Phycologica 110: 1-260.

Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=44305

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 26 October 2018. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 28 April 2024