Intraspecific variation in integumental pore signatures in the genus Pleuromamma (Copepoda: Calanoida)

Intraspecific variation in the pore signature of calanoid copepods is evident between individuals within a single geographical area (within-sample variation) and between different geographical area (geographical variation). Previous studies, however, have tended to consider only geographical variation, neglecting within-sample variation; thus the question remains on how representative the data are of biogeographic divergence within a species. Eight species of the metridinid genus Pleuromamma are examined and the extent of intraspecific variation in pore signatures is assessed here in terms of within-sample variation. In general, the degree of intraspecific variation increases with increasing number of the total integumental pores and is limited to 10% or less of the total. Intraspecific variation reflects not only genetic variability within a species but also genetic similarities between the species within a genus. This paper also re-examines published data on intraspecific variation in pore signatures. Samples as small as five individuals will identify >95% of potential sites of pores.     

A new genus of Cletodidae (Copepoda; Harpacticoida) from the Bohai Sea,China

Neoacrenhydrosoma zhangi gen. et sp. nov. is described from specimens recovered from muddy sediments in the shallow waters of the Bohai Sea. On the basis of the structure of the mouthparts, P5 of both sexes and the female genital field, it is suggested that the taxon is related to the Acrenhydrosoma-complex within the Cletodidae. It differs from other known genera in the structure of the exopod in P2–P4 which is two-segmented as a result of the failure to separate the proximal two segments of a three-segmented ramus; and the P5 in as much as the mucroniform process incorporates the exopod, as well as the endopodal lobe of the baseoendopod.     

Sillago suezensis,a new whiting from the northern Red Sea,and status of Sillago erythraea Cuvier (Teleostei: Sillaginidae)

The status of Sillago erythraea Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes 1829 is re-examined. A lectotype designation by McKay in 1985 fixes it as a junior synonym of Sillago sihama (Forsskål in Niebuhr, 1775), which is restricted to the southern Red Sea. Northern Red Sea populations previously assigned to S. sihama or S. erythraea, are here described as Sillago suezensis sp. nov. Sillago suezensis is also distributed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea due to Lessepsian immigration through the Suez Canal. The new species is characterized within the Sillago sihama group, which has the swimbladder divided posteriorly into two tapering extensions projecting below the vertebral column extending into the tail musculature, by the absence of scales on the preopercle and on most of the opercle, a total number of 34 vertebrae, the swimbladder with lateral extensions each spreading a blind tubule anterolaterally, and a low position of the nostril.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:B289CDF4-AE82-44D3-9AE1-4A2B514AD348     

New species of Lucicutia and taxonomic status of L. grandis (Copepoda,Calanoida, Lucicutiidae)

Calanoid copepod specimens attributable to Lucicutia grandis (Giesbrecht, ), L. bradyana Cleve, , L. wolfendeni Sewell, , and L. rara Hulsemann, ) were studied from antarctic and subantarctic waters collected during RV Eltanin crusies 4–11 and 23, and RV Ob cruises 1 and 3. In addition, identified specimens from the Pacific and Indian Oceans deposited in the systematic collections of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC, USA) and the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (St Petersburg) were also examined. Both sexes of a new species are described from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, L. hulsemannae. Lucicutia hulsemannae is distinguished from L. grandis, L. bradyana and L. wolfendeni by the morphology of the rostrum, genital complex, including plug, and leg 5 of both sexes. Lucicutia bradyana is not found outside the Southern Hemisphere but L. grandis is recorded from the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, tropical Indian Ocean, as well as its type locality in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Lucicutia wolfendeni is found in all oceans except the Arctic Ocean. The status of L. bradyana, previously rejected as a separate species by Hulsemann (), is restored. Lucitutia rara is considered a junior synonym of L. bradyana.     

Two new genera of Laophontidae (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from the high Antarctic Weddell Sea

Two new genera of the harpacticoid family Laophontidae from the high Antarctic Weddell Sea are described. At present, both taxa cannot be assigned to any of the known genera or lineages of the family. The Antarctic shows the greatest degree of endemism worldwide in several already investigated taxa and, considering the available records, the Laophontidae appear to be no exception to this rule. The available data on the Laophontidae of the Weddell Sea seem to support a hypothesis of an ‘old’ antarctic fauna rather than a recolonization by ‘phylogenetic younger’ taxa after the major climatic changes, which took place in the Antarctic continent and the surrounding waters from the Miocene onwards.     

New species of Brodskius,Rythabis, and Omorius (Crustacea: Calanoida) from deep Antarctic waters

Three new species of rare benthopelagic clausocalanoidean genera with sensory setae on the maxilla are described from female specimens collected during the German Antarctic expeditions ANDEEP I–III in 2002 and 2005, mainly from abyssal depths close to the sea bed. Brodskius abyssalis sp. nov. differs from congeners by the lack of rostral filaments, two setae on the second segment of antenna exopod, thread‐like tips of maxillary worm‐like sensory setae, and the length of spines of P5 exopod. Rythabis assymmetrica sp. nov. is distinguished from other species in the genus by asymmetrical posterior corners of the prosome, the shape of spermathecae, and setal numbers on the maxillulary distal basal endite plus endopod. Omorius curvispinus sp. nov. is characterized by strongly curved setae of the maxillipedal syncoxa, a comparatively long seta on the basis of antenna, a slightly swollen genital double‐somite, and the shape of spermathecae. The genera Brodskius, Omorius, and Rythabis are recorded for the first time from the southern hemisphere.     

A new species of Didogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Adriatic Sea

Didogobius schlieweni sp. nov. is described from a single specimen collected among pebbles in shallow water at Unije island, near Cres, in the northern Adriatic Sea. The holotype has vivid dark and pale patterning, and is assigned to Didogobius on the basis of head neuromast patterns and meristic features. Diagnostic values of the latter are D2 I/12, A I/11, P 17, and LL 55–56. A key to species of the Chromogobius and Didogobius complex is provided.     

Red Sea Phyllidiidae (Mollusca,Nudibranchia), with descriptions of new species

All the known Red Sea nudibranchs of the family Phyllidiidae are described and their taxonomic positions discussed. The genus Fryeria Gray, 1853, is regarded as a junior subjective synonym of Phyllidia Cuvier, 1797, and Reyfria gen. nov. is introduced to describe those species differing from Phyllidia primarily in the position of the anus. Of 12 species described here from the Red Sea, four are new to science. Phyllidia arabica Ehrenberg, 1831, is distinguished from Phyllidia varicosa Lamarck, 1801, and Phyllidia sp. is described as the third species confused with this group. A subspecies of P. ocellata Cuvier, 1804, is described and illustrated, as are three new species: P. melanocera, P. monacha and P. multifaria.     

A new Liparine fish from the Red Sea

Summary

The results of a two year study on avian haematozoa in Zambia identified some 29 parasite species including two new haemoproteids and one leucocytozoid. Haemoproteus and Leococytozoon were the most common genera observed. A taxonomic appraisal is given of small trypanosomes with a characteristic terminal kinetoplast and it is suggested that T. everetti, T. fiadeiroi and T. oenae may all be synonyms of T. lobivanelli. Haematozoa were considered to be responsible for the clinical condition of two sick birds. Histopathological studies on a small number of birds revealed schizonts in two birds only. Very few ectoparasites were found and most were considered to be of little significance as vectors.     

Xanthocalanus gracilis and Tharybis magna (Copepoda: Calanoida) rediscovered from the Antarctic Ocean with baited traps

Two species of calanoid copepods, Xanthocalanus gracilis Wolfenden, 1911 (Phaennidae) and Tharybis magna Bradford, 1983 (Tharybidae) collected with baited traps from the Antarctic Ocean are redescribed including some scanning electron microscopic observations. The morphological features and ecological data of these species which both bear maxillary sensory setae strongly suggest that they are detritivores and/or scavengers.     

Aspects of mangal ecology along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia

Surveys of the mangal along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia form the basis of this study. Both soft-bottomed mangals and the less well known hard-bottomed mangals are represented. The distribution of Avicennia marina, the dominant mangrove species, is discontinuous in the northern part of the Red Sea. Its development increases southwards, and mean height is inversely correlated both with latitude (P<0·05) and salinity (P<0·05). Another species, Rhizophora mucronata, was recorded in only five areas. Molluscs and crabs represent the principal faunal elements within the mangal. The density of Cerithidea cingulata, the dominant mollusc species, shows significant correlation (P<0·01) with the abundance of blue-green algae. Four species of fiddler crab (Uca) are included among the crab fauna of the mangal, one of which (U. urvillei) is here newly recorded for the Red Sea. Evidence is given for suggesting that the mangal biota in the region sampled may not be distinctive. Rather, it consists of many species found not only within the mangal but also in other habitats such as seagrass beds and even rock beaches. It is suggested that the mangal of the Red Sea represents a composite habitat, containing both hard and soft substrates and inhabited by species typical of each. This contrasts with the situation in most other mangals studied.     

A new deep-water calanoid copepod and the phylogeny of the genus Nullosetigera nom. nov. in the Nullosetigeridae nom. nov. (pro Phyllopus: Phyllopodidae) from Japanese waters

Nullosetigeridae nom. nov. is proposed for Phyllopodidae Brodsky, 1950, nom. nud., and Nullosetigera nom. nov. is introduced for Phyllopus Brady, 1883, non Rafinesque, 1815. A new species, Nullosetigera auctiseta, is described from Japanese waters. Nullosetigera mutica comb. nov. (Sars, 1907) and N. mutata comb. nov. (Tanaka, 1964) are redescribed. Phylogenetic analysis implies that two groups, N. auctiseta–N. mutica group and N. mutata–N. impar–N. bidentata–N. helgae group, exist within the genus Nullosetigera and that the new species first diverges with N. mutica. The relatively advanced species, N. impar, N. bidentata, and N. helgae are the most widespread, and are vertically distributed from the epipelagic to the bathypelagic layers.     

Two new bathyal species of Pseudotachidius (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from the Beaufort Sea (Alaska,U.S.A.)

Summary

Two new species of harpacticoid copepods are described from the northeastern coast of Alaska, U.S.A. Pseudotachidius brevisetosus sp. nov. and Pseudotachidius bipartitus sp. nov. co-occurred at depths from 659–1144 m. Pseudotachidius brevisetosus is unique in the armature of the ♀ P₅ and the ♂ P₂ endopod. Pseudotachidius bipartitus, with a 2-segmented P₁ endoped is also unique. The setal arrangements of Pseudotachidius coronatus T. Scott and Pseudotachidius similis T. Scott are discussed. The correct setal formulae for all species and a key to the genus are given.     

Two new species of Enoplida (Nematoda) from the Yellow Sea,China

Two new species of free‐living marine nematodes Adoncholaimus chinensis sp. nov. and Bathylaimus huanghaiensis sp. nov. from the Yellow Sea, China are described and illustrated. Adoncholaimus chinensis sp. nov. is characterized by the gubernaculum with a slender apophysis; two files of seven to eight circumcloacal setae on each subventral side of body. Bathylaimus huanghaiensis sp. nov. is characterized by a cylindrical body and smooth cutical. The buccal cavity is relatively smaller than in other species of the genus Bathylaimus. The anterior buccal cavity has only one obvious dorsal tooth. The amphids are subspiral with 1.2 turns, posterior to the base of posterior buccal cavity. They also have a long three‐jointed cephalic seta.     

New family and genus Rostrocalanus gen. nov. (Crustacea: Calanoida: Rostrocalanidae fam. nov.) from deep Atlantic waters

Two new species of a new genus and family Rostrocalanidae of benthopelagic clausocalanoid copepods are described from female specimens collected from abyssal depths close to the sea bed in the tropical Atlantic. Rostrocalanus gen. nov. shares the presence of sensory setae on maxilla with other bradfordian families of Clausocalanoidea, but does not fit the diagnosis of any of these families. A family Rostrocalanidae is established for this new genus and is defined by the following derived characters: four‐segmented exopod of mandible supplied with four setae; distal basal endite of maxillule fused to endopod and bearing five setae in total; endopod of maxilla furnished with six worm‐like sensory setae; arrangement of setal numbers on praecoxal endites of maxilliped syncoxa as 0, 1, 2. The establishment of a new clausocalanoidean family sheds new light on the morphological diversity of bradfordian benthopelagic copepods and adds to the biodiversity of the deep‐water calanoid fauna.     

Five new Polycladida (Platyhelminthes: Acotylea) species from the Aegean Sea with remarks on the prostatic structures

Five species of polyclads, Imogine melihertani sp. nov., Pseudoplanocera izmirensis gen. et sp. nov., Izmira cinari gen. et sp. nov., Izmira turkeyi sp. nov. and Pseudodiscocelis aegeanensis gen. et. sp. nov., were collected in Izmir Bay, Turkey, Aegean Sea. I. melihertani is characterized by an anchor-shaped seminal vesicle, penis papilla, and ciliated male and female atria. P. izmirensis possesses spermiducal bulbs, a free prostatic vesicle, cirrus bulb, armed cirrus and Lang's vesicle. The genus Izmira is established based on the presence of a penis rod, true seminal vesicle, an interpolated prostatic vesicle of atomata-type and vagina bulbosa. Izmira cinari has an elongated body; a pointed penis and the oviducts enter the vagina bulbosa separately. Izmira turkeyi is characterized by an oval body, rod-shaped penis and the oviducts join before entering the vagina. Pseudodiscocelis is characterized by prostatoid organs, a lobed penis and ciliated and glandular cells in the male antrum.     

Two new species of asterocherid (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) associated with a sponge from the Strait of Messina,Italy: taxonomic and ecological traits

Two new species of asterocherid associated with sponges are described from the Mediterranean Sea. They are Psilomyzon laetitiae sp. nov. and Psilomyzon sarcotragusicola sp. nov. The genus Psilomyzon consists of only one known species, P. pauciseta. The two new species can be easily distinguished from the cogener species by reduction of the endopod of leg 4. In P. pauciseta the leg 4 endopod is 3-segmented, with the third segment reduced; in both new species it is 2-segmented, with the second segment carrying an inner projection, possibly homologous to the third segment of the leg 4 endopod of P. pauciseta. In the two new species, the bifid outer process on male leg 4 second endopodal segment seems to be serially homologous to the similar processes on the same segment in legs 1–3, whereas the inner projection may represent a vestigial element of the third endopodal segment of leg 4.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:33BF0653-BBA9-426B-B365-5D8C62DFD44A     

Three new species of the genus Belbolla (Nematoda: Enoplida: Enchelidiidae) from the Yellow Sea,China

Three new species of free‐living marine nematodes of the genus Belbolla: Belbolla huanghaiensis sp. nov., Belbolla stenocephalum sp. nov. and Belbolla warwicki sp. nov. from the Yellow Sea, China, are described and illustrated. Belbolla huanghaiensis can be separated from other species in the Belbolla genus by the number of oesophageal bulbs (nine), the length of the spicules and gubernacular apophysis, and the size of the two winged precloacal supplements. Belbolla stenocephalum can be separated from other species by the number of oesophageal bulbs (eight), the length of the spicules and the structure of gubernacular apophysis. Belbolla warwicki sp. nov. is characterized by the number of oesophageal bulbs (seven), reduced precloacal supplements and the structure of gubernacular apophysis. A key to the genus Belbolla is provided to facilitate species identification. Types are deposited in the College of Life Science and Technology, Ocean University of China.     

Two new free-living marine nematode species of the genus Pseudosteineria (Monohysterida: Xyalidae) from the Yellow Sea,China

Two new species of free-living marine nematode, Pseudosteineria sinica sp. nov. and Pseudosteineria zhangi sp. nov., from the Yellow Sea, China are described. Pseudosteineria sinica sp. nov. is characterized by body spindle-shaped, cuticle distinctly annulated; amphidial fovea not visible; spicules unequal in length, the longer one divided into two sections jointed in the middle, the shorter one simple, without indentation; both spicules curved with proximal capitulum, tapered distally; gubernaculum with a dorso-caudal apophysis. Pseudosteineria zhangi sp. nov. is characterized by eight groups of relatively short subcephalic setae; amphidial fovea circular, lying at level of grouped subcephalic setae; spicules paired, equal in length, dissimilar in shape; right spicule slender, left one with a large manubrium proximally; gubernaculum bucket-shaped, with a dorsal apophysis. A key to species is provided for the 13 valid species of the genus.