Epiphalaina R.W.Holmes, S.Nagasawa & H.Takano, 1993

Holotype species: Epiphalaina aleutica (T.Nemoto) R.W.Holmes, S.Nagasawa & Takano

Original publication and holotype designation: Holmes, R.W., Nagasawa, S. & Takano, H. (1993). The morphology and geographic distribution of epidermal diatoms of the Dalls porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli True) in the Northern Pacific Ocean. Bulletin of the National Science Museum, Tokyo. Series B, Botany 19(1): 1-18.

Description: Growing on the skin of marine cetaceans with the apices of individual cells partially embedded in the host's epidermis. Frustules in girdle view with parallel sides. Valves lanceolate; the central area a somewhat thickened stauros. Apices apunctate except for a few puncta near the valve margin which extend part way around the apices. Puncta approximately circular with hymenes arranged more or less concentrically. Striae parallel to slightly radiate. External raphe endings expanded; apical raphe fissures strongly hooked and recurved. Internally the raphe slit extends from apex to apex and slightly expands in the central area; a small amorphous sphere of silica occurs on the internal raphe slit in the central area. Well developed pseudosepta at both ends of the valve. Recorded from the skin of Dall's porpoises and sperm whales from the northern Pacific Ocean. The internal structure of the raphe, growth form and marine habitat are used to distinguish Epiphalaina from the freshwater genus Stauroneis.

Information contributed by: M.C. Amspoker. The most recent alteration to this page was made on 2015-12-01 by M.D. Guiry.

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

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Denys, L. (1997). Morphology and taxonomy of epizoic diatoms (Epiphalaina and Tursiocola) on a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) stranded on the coast of Belgium. Diatom Research 12(1): 1-18, 83 figs, 1 table.

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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Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera, organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA) and intended to be published in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=45481

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 01 December 2015. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 19 April 2024