The spatial (nearshore-offshore) distribution of latest Permian phytoplankton from the Yangtze Block, South China

► We analyze the spatial distribution of acritarchs in the Late Permian, South China. ► The low diversities occur in the nearshore, whereas the higher in offshore settings. ► Leiosphaeridia, Reduviasporonites and Micrhystridium are distributed widely. ► Dictyotidium and Veryhachium indicate open marine environments. ► Micrhystridium breve and Leiosphaeridia minutissima indicate neritic facies.