Pseudostaurosira neoelliptica

Valves broadly lanceolate to elliptic, with broadly rounded ends. The axial area is lanceolate and the valve face is flat. The valve face/mantle junction forms a sharp angle. The abvalvar edge of the mantle is parallel to the valve face/mantle junction. In girdle view, frustules are rectangular. Cells form short ribbon-like colonies, joined by linking spines. Striae are distinct, composed of round areolae that decrease in diameter toward the axial area, 12-15 in 10 µm. Striae are parallel in the central area to radiate toward the ends. The striae extend onto the valve mantle, but are interrupted by spines at the valve face/mantle junction. Costae are wider than the striae. Spines are spatulate. Spines are present along the valve face edge, except at the apices and are located on the striae. Small, ocellulimbus type, apical pore fields with round poroids are present on both valve apices. Pore fields are located on junction between valve face/mantle. Rimoportulae are absent. Copulae, or girdle bands, are open and not perforated. Valvocopulum (first girdle band) is wider than the rest of the girdle elements.