Two new species of Sellaphora (Bacillariophyta) from a deep oligotrophic plateau lake, Lake Fuxian in subtropical China

We describe two new species of Sellaphora from Lake Fuxian, Yunnan Plateau, China. Based on both light and scanning electron microscopy, these species are described as S. yunnanensis sp. nov. and S. sinensis sp. nov. The primary features of S. yunnanensis are: elliptical to linear-elliptical valves with broadly rounded ends, straight filiform raphe, almost straight central endings and small, slightly expanding central pores, small central area, symmetrical or slightly asymmetrical central nodule. The primary features of S. sinensis are: elliptical valves, obtusely rounded ends, similar raphe and axial area, transapically less expanded central area, larger, elliptical central nodule. We compare these species to those of a similar shape and morphology.