Nannotax3 - ntax_non_cocco - Actiniscus pentasterias

Actiniscus pentasterias

Classification: ntax_non_cocco -> Dinophytes -> Silicifying dinoflagellates -> Actiniscus -> Actiniscus pentasterias
Sister taxa: A. pentasterias

Distinguishing features: Skeletal bodies are 5-rayed with concavo-convex shape and a sculpted surface

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Taxonomy:

Citation: Actiniscus pentasterias (Ehrenberg 1840) Ehrenberg 1843

Rank: Species

Basionym: Dictyota pentasterias Ehrenberg 1840

Taxonomic discussion: This is the only extant marine species. According to Algaebase 36 species have been described in Actiniscus, predominantly by Ehrenberg. Of these they regard the following as 'currently accepted'

Actiniscus pentasterias (Ehrenberg) Ehrenberg
Actiniscus pentasterias var. arcticus Bursa (Freshwater)
Actiniscus canadensis A.L.Bursa ex S.Carty 2014 (Freshwater)
Actiniscus flosculus S.Locker & E.Martini 1986 (Miocene)
Actiniscus laciniatus S.Locker & E.Martini 1986 (Miocene)
Actiniscus squamosus S.Locker & E.Martini 1986 (Miocene)

These names do appear on taxonomic name lists but not in publications on the algae.
Update - as noted by Ines Galovic (see comments) Dumitrica (1973) and Locker & Martin (1986) provided detailed fossil record data on actiniscids, and described several taxa.

Catalog entries: A. pentasterias [no catalog entry yet]

Distinguishing features: Skeletal bodies are 5-rayed with concavo-convex shape and a sculpted surface

Morphology: There is an obvious superficial similarity with discoasters but this is most likely coincidental

Geological Range:
Last occurrence (top): Extant Data source: Total of range of species in this database
First occurrence (base): within No known fossil record modern (0.00-0.00Ma, base in "Holocene" stage). Data source: Total of range of species in this database

References:

Dumitrica, P. (1973). Cenozoic endoskeletal dinoflagellates in southwestern Pacific sediments cored during Leg 21 of the DSDP. Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project. 21: 819-835. gs V O

Ehrenberg, C. G. (1843). Über die verbreitung des jetzt wirkenden kleinsten organischen lebens in Asien, Australien und Afrika und über die vorherrschende bildung auch des oolithkalkes der Juraformation aus kleinen polythalamischen thieren. Bericht uber die zu Bekanntmachung geeigneten Verhandlungen der Koniglichen Preussische Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin. 100-106. gs

Locker, S. & Martini, E. (1986). Ebridians and actiniscidians from the southwest Pacific. Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project. 90: 941-951. gs V O