Picarola margalefii, gen. et sp. nov., a new planktonic coccolithophore from NW Mediterranean waters

Abstract

A coccolithophore which is referred to a new genus Picarola gen. nov. and described as a new species Picarola margalefii sp. nov., has been observed from the NW Mediterranean. The description of the new species is based on Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) observations. The coccoliths of Picarola margalefii sp. nov. are muroliths that have a narrow high rim and a central area with a cross and an elongate four-sided central process. Energy dispersive X-ray micro-analyses confirmed their calcareous nature. The relation between the new genus and the genera Papposphaera Tangen. Vexillarius Jordan et Chamberlain, and Turrilithus Jordan et al., is discussed. The coccolithophore Picatola margalefii gen. et sp. nov., is dedicated to Dr. Ramon Margalef.