Two new species of <i>Pyramimonas</i> (Pyramimonadophyceae, Chlorophyta) associated with the subgenus <i>Trichocystis</i> from coral lagoons of the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

The characteristics of two new benthic species Pyramimonas isolated from coral rubble have been determined. One, P. superba sp. nov., most similar to lunata, has a morphological character suite and molecular phylogenetic signal supporting it as member the subgenus Trichocystis, despite its uniqueness in producing mucilage. other, lamellipunctata also shows affiliation with Trichocystis using partial SSU data. However, this second aligns muciferous punctate rbcL data, although clade is problematic includes genus Pterosperma. Morphologically, cells share many features but exhibit important disparities group, notably lack mucilage, suggesting that they form unique lineage.HIGHLIGHTS● Two are indicated members data.● data only supports association for one affiliates other Punctatae.● Morphological partially species, thereby inferring lineage.