Genus Spiculophrys Zlatogursky, 2016

Diagnosis: Centrohelids lacking silica scales but with numerous thin, pointed organic (without any traces of silica) scales tapering towards acute apices. 18S rDNA without seven expansion seg-ments found in Marophrys. Monotypic.

Spiculophrys agregata Zlatogursky, 2016

Diagnosis: Cells are 4.0-10.2 µm (ca. 6.1) in diameter, surrounded with radial spicules. Cells are single or connected with axopodia into aggregations, containing 6-14 individuals.

Habitat: Tierra del Fuego, Beagle Channel, Chile, 128 m water depth, sample taken with Van Veen grab.

Remarks: Justification of a new genus and species for these organisms is dependent on the results of molecular phylogenetic analysis. Currently it is not possible to distinguish this genus and species from Marophrys spp on the basis of morphological data.