Enigmatic fossil centric diatom species from Antarctica

In the course of our study of Cenozoic sediments from the Bunger Oasis (Eastern Antarctica), we found specimens of the centric diatom with unclear taxonomic placement. Examination of the material by light and scanning electron microscopy led to the conclusion that this diatom species belonged to the genus Hyalodiscus, but its true identity is unclear. Further investigations were needed to determine the taxonomic position of this taxon.