Among the most common diatoms in arctic spring blooms are Fossula arctica Hasle, Syvertsen et von Quillfeldt, Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Grunow) Krieger in Helmcke et Krieger, F. oceanica (Cleve) Hasle, Thalassiosira antarctica var. borealis Fryxell, Doucette et Hubbard, T. hyalina (Grunow) Gran and Chaetoceros socialisLauder. Although Fossula arctica was described as late as 1996, the others have been recorded for more than 100 years. Despite this, the different Fragilariopsis species are often confused with each other and with other ribbon-shaped species. This is also true of Thalassiosira spp. The need to clarify the differences between some of these common arctic diatoms is clear. Identifying species in water mounts may be particularly difficult. Descriptions in the literature of species in water mounts are also rather few. A study was conducted in order to facilitate the identification of those species most often confused. Distinctive features for each species are described and illustrated and possible misidentifications discussed to ease the identification. The results are based on the author's samples collected from different Arctic areas as well as on information from the literature. Brought to you by | University of Virginia Authenticated | 128.143.23.241 Download Date | 10/11/12 8:22 AM Brought to you by | University of Virginia Authenticated | 128.143.23.241 Download Date | 10/11/12 8:22 AM
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