Silica-Scaled Chrysophytes in Large Tributaries of Lake Baikal

A recent study identified Lake Baikal's large tributaries, particularly the Barguzin River mouth and Selenga River delta, as significant 'hotspots' for silica-scaled chrysophytes. Researchers recorded 66 species and intra-specific taxa, including eight previously unrecorded in Russia, such as Chrysosphaerella rotundata and Synura laticarina. The study also noted morphological changes in Mallomonas striata scales during May. Notably, the Barguzin River mouth exhibited higher diversity (35 species) compared to the Selenga River delta (52 species), suggesting these tributaries diversify chrysophyte flora in Lake Baikal's southern and central basins. Combined with three global hotspots, this region expands our understanding of silica-scaled chrysophyte biodiversity.

Bessudova, A. Yu., Sorokovikova, L. M., Tomberg, I. V., & Likhoshway, Y. V. (2018). Silica-Scaled Chrysophytes in Large Tributaries of Lake Baikal. Cryptogamie, Algologie, 39(2), 145–165. https://doi.org/10.7872/crya/v39.iss2.2018.145