This paper reviews the composition, biogeography and zonation of benthic algae in Arctic and Antarctic polar regions. There is a marked contrast in the literature between the amount of information on microalgae vs. macroalgae. Perhaps not surprising in view of their size and conspicuous nature, the macroalgae are better known than the microalgae and they have been studied more intensively. Macroalgal biodiversity is greater in Antarctica than in the Arctic, as is the number of endemic species. Both these characteristics of the Antarctic marine macroalgal flora can be explained by the biogeographical histories of the regions. In contrast, endemism amongst Arctic and Antarctic benthic microalgae is generally considered to be low; however, there is very little evidence to support this and further molecular research is needed to document and clarify the biodiversity of marine benthic microalgae of both polar regions. The zonation or local distribution of polar macroalgae and microalgae is influenced by physiological, morphological, chemical and ecological characteristics that determine responses to a range of environmental factors, including the ability to resist and survive algal grazing. Typically, the lower depth distribution limit elevates with increasing latitude.

Antarctic benthic marine diatoms from the Potter Cove region, King George Island were studied in samples collected during the austral summer 2003. A floristic list was made to add information on the Antarctic benthic diatom distribution. A total of 84 species was identified from four localities in Potter Cove, the majority of which are of cosmopolitan distribution. The most common taxa encountered wereCocconeisspp.,Gyrosigma fasciola, Naviculacf.cancellata, N.cf.perminuta, Petroneis plagiostomaandPleurosigma obscurum. BothG. fasciolaandP. obscurumare recorded for the first time from Antarctica with such common occurrence. The overall diatom population in Potter Cove appeared rather different from other diatom populations observed in Antarctic marine habitats.

Planothidium juandenovense sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta) is described from the marine tropical environments of Juan de Nova I. (Mozambique Channel), Rodrigues I. (Mascarene Archipelago) and from Guam (Northern Mariana Is., Pacific). This small an...

Olifantiella Riaux-Gobin et Compère (Bacillariophyta, Biraphidineae), a monospecific diatom genus from coral reef environments in R?union Island (Western Indian Ocean), was collected from Rodrigues Island (easterly island of the Mas...

We investigated the ultrastructure of Achnanthes delicatissima Simonsen in materials collected from the Swedish Baltic coast. Valve structure differs markedly from that of Achnanthes sensu lato, particularly in the absence of cribrate areolae which separates Achnanthes from all other members of the family Achnanthaceae. Comparing this species with those recently described achnanthoid genera, such as Scalariella Riaux-Gobin & Witkowski and Madinithidium Witkowski, Desrosiers & Riaux-Gobin revealed morphological differences that warrant the erection of a new genus, Navithidium. Owing to the small size of the frustules, it is difficult to identify Navithidium delicatissima in light microscopy due to similarities with some closely related taxa like Achnanthidium pseudochamaepinnularia (which is here transferred to Navithidium). A comparison with related genera is provided and discussed.