Abstract
Thalassiosira tealata Takano in Japan was first found in August 1979 at Tachibana Ura, Tokushima Prefecture, by staffs of the Nihon Kaiyoseibutsu Kenkyujo Co. Ltd. This small centric diatom has T-shaped marginal strutted processes provided with two, long, opposing wings extended from the scaphoid skirts of the processes. Its labiate process is nearly on the margin of the valve face, and 1-4 areolae are apart from the externally left-hand strutted process at the 12 O'clock position. The rows of areolae are mostly radially fasciculated. The cells are so small,6.3-9.6, tim in diameter, that an electron microscope is needed for its precise identification. This small diatom may be a common habitant in the warm coastal waters of the Pacific, like Tachibana-ura and Atsumi Bay in summer. By recent information newly sent from my friend living in England, this small diatom could be transferred by air-cargo from Japan, may be with Japanese oysters.
