Additions to chrysophycean stomatocyst flora from South Urals shallow lake including descriptions of three new morphotypes

Abstract

In this study we observed 17 additional morphotypes of chrysophycean stomatocysts from the shallow lake Zhurmankol which is located in a protected zone of South Urals steppes (Russia). Including our new records, the number of known chrysophycean stomatocysts from the Lake Zhurmankol increased to 32 morphotypes. Three morphotypes are described as new to science. Their similarity and difference from previously described morphotypes are discussed. While the biological affinity of two new morphotypes remains unknown, the third stomatocyst was produced by a heterotrophic chrysophyte species, Paraphysomonas bandaiensis. Critical analysis of the published micrographs of P. bandaiensis siliceous scales from Russia revealed that they belong to another, yet undescribed, taxon (or taxa). So, our report on P. bandaiensis is the first confirmed record of this species in Russia.