Sellaphora hohnii and S. californica have a prominent conopeum, striae with irregularly ends in the central area and less prominent polar bars. Sellaphora pupula, in the narrow sense, has a rectangular central area, lanceolate valves and regular alteration of long and short striae in the central area (Mann et al. 2004). Sellaphora lanceolata has an elliptic central area, ghost striae in the central area and regular alteration of long and short striae in the central area (Mann et al. 2004). Sellaphora rostrata has striae with irregularly ends in the central area (Simonsen 1987, Pl. 5, Figs. 5-7).