Small marine Achnanthales (Bacillariophyceae) from coral reefs off Polynesia (South Pacific)

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This volume summarizes a decade-long survey of small marine Achnanthales (Bacillariophyceae) in Central Polynesia, emphasizing valve ultrastructures analyzed via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Findings reveal variations in benthic substrate colonization, species richness, and the emergence of new diatom taxa, influenced by geological history, coral reef presence, and island insularity. It includes recently published taxa from French Polynesia, such as Cocconeis santandrea and Xenococconeis opunohusiensis, alongside unpublished observations and illustrations of 13 described taxa. A Venn diagram facilitates the first comparative analysis with assemblages from Central Polynesia, New Caledonia, and the Mascarenes. The taxonomy relies on SEM-based valve ultrastructure, enhancing the differentiation of small tropical Achnanthales taxa that are challenging to identify using light microscopy. The text explores the presence of forms or 'morphs' within species complexes and discusses the controversial concept of endemism in marine eukaryotes, offering new perspectives on biogeography. While marine benthic and small diatoms remain under-studied compared to freshwater diatoms, this volume serves as a valuable resource for researchers in Achnanthales taxonomy and for students embarking on detailed studies of marine benthic diatoms.