Chinese scientists discover new diatom species in Shanghai

A research team from the College of Fisheries and Life Science at Shanghai Ocean University has identified a new diatom species from Chongming Island in Shanghai, and the findings were published recently in the botanical journal Phytotaxa.

Named Tryblionella chongmingensis, the new species was discovered in the Nanheng Diversion Canal and surrounding small waterways on the island in August 2024.

Its key morphological features include longitudinal valve undulation with its lowest point on the proximal side, and the absence of an axial sternum, which served as the diagnostic basis for its placement within the aphyletic group. The species is characterized by a relatively large cell size and is distinguished from similar taxa by several distinct traits.