Tigrinifilum D.E. Berthold, Lefler & Laughinghouse gen nov.

DESCRIPTION: Homocytous filamentous cyanobacteria forming solitary and free-floating, straight, wavy to slightly flexuous filaments, with or without thin hyaline sheath. Trichomes cylindrical. Cells slightly constricted between meristematic zones, highly constricted between dividing cells in older filaments. Cross-walls densely granulated and darkened except at the filament ends. Cells discoid, wider than long. Cell content light to dark green, blue green, brown, and grey. Apical cell rounded, with occasional clear calyptra. Reproduction by fragmentation or hormogonia.

TYPE SPECIES: Tigrinifilum floridanum D.E. Berthold, Lefler & Laughinghouse sp. nov .

ETYMOLOGY: From Latin tigrinus, striped like a tiger, and Latin filum, a thread, in reference to the resemblance of a ‘banded tiger’ characteristic of the filaments.

COMMENT: Species of this genus are halotolerant-halophilic and resistant to desiccation.