sp. nov. (Amphipleuraceae, Bacillariophyceae), a new marine benthic diatom from a tidal mudflat in Hampyeong Bay, South Korea.

The abundance and variety of benthic diatoms inhabiting tidal flats is widely acknowledged, although it has received relatively less attention than other research areas. In this investigation, we provide a formal description of a benthic diatom found in the tidal mudflat of South Korea, based on morphological and molecular characteristics and the similarities and differences between , with morphologically similar species are also discussed. Morphological characteristics are described from light and electron microscopy images. is distinguished by its wide ventral sides of the valve, small and rounded areolae present across the whole valve face, and dense dorsal striae biseriate (34-38 in 10 μm). Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA and L sequence data revealed that is related to , , and . The results (morphometric and molecular) provide sufficient elements to support and propose this taxon as a new species.