Three new Achnanthidium (Bacillariophyceae) species from Lake Salda (Anatolia, Turkey), a deep soda lake

Background and aims – Kützing separated the genus Achnanthidium from the genus Achnanthes based on two species: Achnanthes minutissima and Achnanthidium microcephalum. These two genera were distinguished by the presence of stalks in the Achnanthes genus and their absence in Achnanthidium. Before electron microscopy, the difference between Achnanthes and Achnanthidium was not clear, especially in Achnanthidium minustissimum sensu lato. The aim of the study is to describe three new species of Achnanthidium from Lake Salda. Material and methods – Lake Salda is located in southwestern Anatolia, in Turkey. The diatoms were collected seasonally from four stations in the lake between 2016 and 2020, from different substrata (epipelic, epiphytic, and epilithic). Key results – Three new species belonging to the genus Achnanthidium have been found in Lake Salda, Turkey. Based on the morphological observations, all new taxa are part of the Achnanthidium minutissimum complex. Achnanthidium barlasii sp. nov. and A. dumlupinarii sp. nov. show a high degree of similarity to each other, but can be separated based on valve outline and a denser areolation, especially in striae close to the apices of the raphe valve. Both species can be distinguished from A. minutissimum based on more separate apices and less elliptic valves. In the case of A. dumlupinarii sp. nov., large specimens show slight undulations of the valve, which is a unique feature. Achnanthidium anatolicum sp. nov. is the most characteristic based on its valve width, broadly rounded valve apices, and almost straight valves in girdle view. All newly described Achnanthidium species can be found in lentic environments, with alkaline water and high calcium ion content. Conclusion – The newly described taxa occurred in the unique habitat of a soda lake. The environment of the lake is highly alkaline, rich in magnesium and calcium, and derived from limestone and dolomitic limestone rocks.