Prestauroneis crucicula (W. Smith) Genkal et Yarushina (Figure 77)

Literature: (Genkal and Yarushina 2017, p. 355, figs. 1a–d, 2a–d; Witkowski et al. 2000, p. 321, pl. 103, figs. 11–13).

Description: Length 71–94 µm, width 18–26 µm, striae 20– 24 in 10 µm.

Remarks: Some valves of P. crucicula may look similar to P. delognei (Van Heurck) Cox even with the arrangement of striae in the center but can be distinguished by the position of raphe distal endings where in P. delognei they clearly terminate below valve apices. All observed specimens had striae denser than normally found (14–18 in 10 µm).

Ecology and distribution: A marine and brackish-water species. Previously found in Potter Cove as an epiphyte but was rather rare. Frequent in the material examined.