Marine diatom, Mucilaginous tubes, Nitzchia martiana, Colombia, Global distribution

Nitzschia martiana (Agardh) Van Heurck (Bacillariophyceae) is registered for the first time living in tubes on the rocky substratum for the region of Santa Marta in the Colombian Caribbean Coast. The collection of the material was conducted in the intertidal and infralittoral fringe zones. Laboratory observations were made with a light microscope. Their local presence and global distribution show that the species has displayed a wide latitudinal distribution between 52 degrade N and 32 degrade S, but it has possible undergone displacement of some regions as southern England and The Mediterranean Sea. The species prefers warm waters, is generally benthic, forming tubes and colonials, and is located mainly in the intertidal zone. It is more prevalent on a strong and durable substratum as the rock but, also, can be considered free or ticoplanktonic life.