Halamphora oceanica (Catenulaceae, Bacillariophyta), a new species from the epipelagic region of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico

In the oceanic zones of the Gulf of Mexico a new species of diatom was found belonging to the genus Halamphora . Live cells were isolated using basic microbiological techniques for culturing and DNA analysis. Observations to determine morphological and morphometric characteristics were performed by both light and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, a phylogeny was built based on the expression and sequencing of the small subunit of the 18S gene. As a result of these observations, we conclude that this pennate diatom is a new species here proposed as Halamphora oceanica .