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Echinidinium sleipnerensis

Zonneveld, K.A.F. and Pospelova V. (2015). A determination key for modern dinoflagellate cysts. Palynology 39 (3), 387- 409.

 
 
 

Field characteristics

Echinidinium sleipnerensis Head and Riding in Head et al., 2004

Characteristics:
Light to medium brown cysts with smooth to slightly granulated cell wall. Numerous small smooth apiculocavate processes that are irregularly distributed. Archeopyle is therophylic, possibly representing the circular margin extending at least half-way round the cyst.

Dimensions: Cyst body diameter: 44 to 48 µm; length of processes: 5 to 8 µm.
Motile affinity: unknown
Stratigraphic range: Pleistocene to recent

Comparison with other species:
This species also resembles most closely that of Echinidinium delicatum and Islandinium brevispinosum in having numerous small processes. It differs from both species in having apiculocavate processes rather than hollow or solid processes and a split archeopyle that extends at least half-way round the cyst. Echinidinium sleipnerensis is almost twice as large in size than Echinidinium delicatum and Islandinium brevispinosum