Phylum: Charophyta Family: Desmidiaceae
Staurastrum pseudopelagicum W. & G.S. West 1903
West & West (1903: 547) note: “This species bears considerable resemblance to S. pelagicum, … but is distinguished by the different form of the semicells and the more open sinus and by the processes. The processes of S. pseudopelagicum are hollow, containing part of the cell-cavity, whereas those of S. pelagicum are solid projections of the cell-wall.” Also, the semicells of S. pseudopelagicum are more triangular whereas those of S. pelagicum are bowl-shaped.
Overall cell dimensions: L: 51-54 µm; B: 56-61 µm; Is: 9.7-13.5 µm; L/B: 0.9.
A rare planktonic species with a seemingly Atlantic distribution. Found in circumneutral waters.
References:
Coesel, P.F.M. & Meesters, K.J. (2013). European Flora of the Desmid Genera Staurastrum and Staurodesmus.
West, W. & West, G.S. (1903). Scottish freshwater plankton, No.I.
West, W., West, G.S. & Carter, N. (1923). A Monograph of the British Desmidiaceae, Volume 5.