Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq Author Al-Handal, Adil Y. Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden Author Thomas, Evan W. Biology Department, Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, Illinois, USA Author Pennesi, Chiara Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italia text Phytotaxa 2018 2018-10-12 372 2 111 152 http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1 journal article 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1 1179-3163 13728822 Podosira stelligera (Bailey) Mann (1907: 242) ( Figs 5, 6 ) References : Mann 1907 , p. 242; Hendey 1964 , p. 90, pl. 22, fig. 6; Hoppenrath et al. 2009 , fig. 54. Features : Diameter 34–56 μm. Description : Valves circular, rounded areolae arranged in radial striae. Distinct straight rows of dots occur from the center up to the periphery of the valve face forming a stellate appearance. Ecology and Distribution : A marine benthic species commonly found in the plankton. Previously reported from the Gulf ( Simonsen 1974 ). Frequent in Basra corals.