Staurophora ouniangaensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae, Anomoeoneidaceae), a new diatom from the Ounianga Lakes in the Sahara, Chad

Researchers have identified and described a new species of diatom, Staurophora ouniangaensis, from the saline waters of the Ounianga Lakes in Chad's Sahara. This discovery, based on detailed microscopic observations, highlights the unique morphological traits of the species, including its valve outline and slightly twisted frustules. The study also distinguishes it from a similar species, Cymbella obtusa, by its finer stria density. Notably, Staurophora ouniangaensis supports the preference of this genus for inland saline environments, as it thrives in mesosaline to hypersaline waters within these lakes.

RIRONGARTI, R., COCQUYT, C., PAILLÈS, C., & SYLVESTRE, F. (2022). Staurophora ouniangaensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae, Anomoeoneidaceae), a new diatom from the Ounianga Lakes in the Sahara, Chad. Phytotaxa, 558(1), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.558.1.7