Berkeleya scopulorum (Brébisson) Cox (1979: 173)

Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W. & Pennesi, Chiara, 2018, Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq, Phytotaxa 372 (2), pp. 111-152 : 120

Berkeleya scopulorum (Brébisson) Cox (1979: 173) ( Fig. 23 )

References: Hendey 1964, p. 193, pl. 41, fig. 1 (as Navicula scopulorum Brébisson (in Kützing 1849: 81); Witkowski et al. 2000, p. 157, pl. 62, figs 3–5; Al-Handal 2009, p. 22, fig. 124.

Features: Length 100–180 μm, width 8–16 μm, striae 16–20 in 10 μm.

Description: Valves long, linear with broadly rounded apices and widened middle zone. Raphe fissures straight, terminal endings terminate below apices. Axial area very narrow, central area rounded. Transapical striae coarsely punctate, slightly radiate at the center, convergent near the apices.

Remarks: This is an epipelic species widely distributed in estuaries. Although considered as marine species, it can thrive in brackish water ( Al-Handal 2009).

Ecology and Distribution: A widespread species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova). Frequent in Basra corals.

Figures

FIGURES 21–37. Marine benthic diatoms in coral reefs off Basra. Fig. 21. Mastogloia quinquecostata, Fig. 22. Cocconeis latecostata, Fig. 23. Berkeleya scopuloru, Figs 24, 25. Climaconei sp. Fig. 26. Parlibellus rhombiformis, Fig. 27. Parlibellus sp., Fig. 28. Biremis ambigua, Fig. 29. Fallacia forcipata, Fig. 30. Fallacia nummularia, Fig. 31 Fallacia sp., Fig. 32. Progonoia musca, Fig. 33. Caloneis elongata, Fig. 34. Caloneis liber, Fig. 35. Diploneis cf. interrupta, Fig. 36. Diploneis chersonensis, Fig. 37. Diploneis fusca.