Diversity of Stomatocysts of Golden Algae (Chrysophyceae) from the Plankton of Reservoirs of the Mountain Forest Zone of the Southern Urals

Using scanning electron microscopy, 33 morphotypes of stomatocysts of Chrysophyceae are found in the plankton of the reservoirs, lakes, and rivers of the mountain–forest zone of the Southern Urals; 8 of them are noted in Russia for the first time, and 1 is described as new to science. The description of each morphotype is accompanied by a SEM micrography, geographical location, and environmental characteristics. Unornamented stomatocysts with a spherical form are predominant in abundance in plankton. Ornamented stomatocysts with a spherical form are predominant in diversity in plankton. The maximum diversity of stomatocysts is observed in spring and in autumn. The high diversity of stomatocysts indicates a significant diversity of golden algae in the Southern Ural region.