Chakia (cyanobacteria), a new heterocytous genus from Belizean marshes identified on the basis of the 16S rRNA gene

localities in alkaline marshes in Belize (Central America). Characteristic morphological features of thalli both from natural environment and from cultivated strains were documented to complete the description of this new genus. The type strain has been named Ch.ciliosa sp. nov. Previous findings and up to now performed samplings and studies of relative material have indicated that the occurrence of the genus in all Belizean alkaline marshes, Everglades (USA), Cuban and other tropical Caribbean alkaline marshes is evident or highly probable.