Bellerochea Van Heurck, 1885

Holotype species: Bellerochea malleus (Brightwell) Van Heurck

Original publication and holotype designation: Van Heurck, H. (1885). Synopsis des Diatomées de Belgique. Texte. pp. [1]-235. Anvers: Martin Brouwers & Co.

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Description: Cells rectangular in girdle view, joined to form long filaments in which small gaps occur between cells due to curvature of the valve faces. Cells weakly silicified. Plastids numerous small plates. A widely distributed marine, planktonic genus, containing three species. Valves triangular (sometimes bi- or quadrangular); valve face depressed slightly internal to the angles. Face and girdle formed by an open meshwork of siliceous costae radiating from a central annulus, or not even reaching the centre (B. malleus); costae sometimes forming small 'C' shaped swirls. Minor costae link the principal ones to delimit areolae; no vela can be detected. At the junction between valve face/mantle a slight marginal ridge is developed and at the angles (elevations) of the valve there is what appears to be an ocellus, with distinct longitudinal ridges. The marginal ridges interlock or even fuse with those of adjacent cells. Rather delicate rimoportulae occur (arrows) either centrally or marginally; they have long external tubes. Elements of the cingulum numerous but even more lightly silicified than the valves and we have not been able to resolve any detail (but see von Stosch, 1977).

The most recent alteration to this page was made on 2019-09-30 by Wendy Guiry.

Taxonomic status: This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Round, F.E., Crawford, R.M. & Mann, D.G. (1990). The diatoms. Biology and morphology of the genera. pp. [i-ix], 1-747. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Comments: The genus is discussed in great detail in the excellent study of von Stosch (1977) who discusses the diatotepic layer forming a 'wall' internal to the siliceous framework. The only point we can add and which is significant is the possible formation of an ocellus which, if confirmed, will require a re-assessment of the classification of this genus and possibly ally it to genera of the Hemiaulales rather than the Lithodesmiales.

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Contributors
Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera, organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA) and intended to be published in CD format. These AlgaeBase descriptions are now being continually updated, and each current contributor is identified above. The PSA and AlgaeBase warmly acknowledge the generosity of all past and present contributors and particularly the work of Dr Parker.

Descriptions of chrysophyte genera were subsequently published in J. Kristiansen & H.R. Preisig (eds.). 2001. Encyclopedia of Chrysophyte Genera. Bibliotheca Phycologica 110: 1-260.

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Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
Wendy Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 30 September 2019. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 21 November 2024

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