First new record of two diatoms (Caloneis africana (Giffen) Stidolph and Luticola nivalis (Ehrenberg) D. G. Mann) from South West Coast of India (Cochin backwaters)

Abstract

Summary: The main objective of this paper is to report two diatoms (Caloneis africana (Giffen) Stidolph and Luticola nivalis (Ehrenberg) D. G. Mann) from Cochin backwaters, which prove to be a new finding from Indian waters. Surface water samples were collected monthly from twelve stations covering the ecosystem from May 2015 to April 2016. The analysis of physicochemical parameters and the preparation of permanent slides of diatoms were performed based on standard procedures. Descriptions, world distribution and photographs of the two diatoms are included in this paper. These two new species further enrich the diatom floristic diversity of Cochin backwaters in India. Keywords: South West Coast of India, Diatoms, Caloneis africana, Luticola nivalis