Pennate diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) flora from two tropical estuaries in Pernambuco state, Brazil

Abstract

Pennate diatoms' taxonomic composition in many estuaries and coastal areas worldwide remains unknown. To better understand the biodiversity of planktonic pennate diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) in Northeast Brazil, we conducted a floristic survey in two tropical estuaries in Pernambuco state. Fifty-one species were identified, with Naviculales and Bacillariales being the most representative orders. Gyrosigma subtile was reported for the first time in Brazil; besides, eleven species are new records for Northeast Brazil, and one is for Pernambuco. For the first time, the genera Cymatoneis, Pinnunavis, and Staurophora are described for Northeast Brazil. The results of the work expand the information on the richness of pennate diatoms for tropical estuaries in Northeastern Brazil, presenting descriptions, comments, and illustrations using optical and scanning electron microscopy of the taxa identified in the estuaries of the Botafogo and Paripe rivers - PE.