Morphological characterization of Pseudo-nitzschia chiniana (Bacillariophyceae) from Antarctic waters

Abstract The potentially toxigenic genus Pseudo-nitzschia from Antarctic waters is currently a subject of active research. Morphological observations of net phytoplankton samples from the Weddell Sea revealed the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia chiniana . The cells examined show the distinctive morphological features consistent with the original description of P. chiniana , which allowed confident identification of this species. However, our specimens differed from the original description by exhibiting a wider variation in poroid and striae ultrastructure. This finding is the first record of P. chiniana from the Antarctic waters and the tenth species of this genus found in the region.