Diplogrammus (Climcacogrammus) pygmaeus sp. nov., a new callionymid fish (Pisces,Perciformes, Callionymoidei) from the South Arabian Coast,Northwestern Indian Ocean

Summary

Diplogrammus (Climacogrammus) pygmaeus sp. nov. is described and compared with other species of the genus Diplogrammus. Features which distinguish it from the allied species are as follows: 1. (1)The combination of four spines in the first dorsal fin, eight rays in the second dorsal fin, and seven rays in the anal fin, with a preopercular spine formula of ;

2. (2)the unusually broad snout (seen from above);

3. (3)the anterior spines of the first dorsal fin in the male elongate but not filamentous;

4. (4)colour markings.

     

Decapod Crustacea from the International Indian Ocean Expedition (Larval and post-larval stages of Parapenaeus Smith (Penaeinae)

Summary

Developmental stages of Parapenaeus investigatoris Alcock and Anderson from second protozoea to late post-larva and an incomplete series of P. longipes Alcock and P. fissurus (Bate) are described and figured. Important generic characters of the larvae of Parpaenaeus are two pairs of supra-orbital spines in the protozoeae, a strong hepatic spine, a long dorsomedian spine on the third abdominal segment, ventromedian spines on the anterior abdominal segments and sometimes on the last thoracic segment, a pair of dorsolateral spines on the fifth and sixth abdominal segments and a median spine on the telson.

The species recorded are widely distributed in the northern Indian Ocean, particularly in the Bay of Bengal, but only two specimens were taken south of the Equator and few in the more open parts of the ocean.     

Some helminth parasites of marine fishes of South Africa: Santeria rubalo gen. et sp. nov. (Digenea: Cryptogonimidae)

A new genus and species, Santeria rubalo, is described from the sparid fish Cheimerius nufar from the south-western Indian Ocean. It is placed in the cryptogonimid subfamily Neochasminae and is distinguished from Paracryptogonimus and Apophallus mainly by its oral spination, which consists of six to eight annular rows of spines.     

Histology of the alimentary canal of the mature larva of Prodenia litura Fabr. (Lepidoptera)

Summary

The histology of the alimentary canal of the mature larva of Prodenia litura Fabr. is described in detail. The status of the oesophageal and stomodaeal valves, structure and morphological relationship of the mesenteric cells and the structure and formation of the peritrophic membrane are discussed. The oesophageal epithelium is deeply compressed by the intruding muscules and the chitinous intima bears prominent spines thus forming a valve. The structure and function of this valve is quite different from that of the stomodaeal valve. The interstitial cells give rise to two different forms of mesenteric cells, viz. the columnar and goblet cells. There are clusters of unspecified cells at the anterior end of the mesenteron. The role of these cells appears to be secreting chitin which helps in forming the peritrophic membrane.     

Book reviews

Summary

Five early ontogenic stages of Scomberomorus lineolatus (C. &; V.) ranging in standard length from 18·4 mm to 99·5 mm are described.

Direct comparison of these early stages with those of S. commerson (Lac.) showed differences in the number of gill rakers, the length of preopercular spines and the position of the anal fin in relation to the second dorsal fin. In the case of S. guttatus (Bl. &; Schn.) the gill rakers are of the same number as in S. lineolatus but the preopercular spines decrease in size from above with the upper two subequal in size and none projects beyond the operculum.

In the earlier stages, S. lineolatus could be easily distinguished from S. guttatus by the absence of the bluish green coloration characteristic of S. guttatus. In later stages when the coloration has developed in both the species the only marked difference between the two is in the nature of the bent portion of the lateral line which is wavy in S. lineolatus and straight in S. guttatus.

The number of vertebrae is 46 in S. lineolatus; 42–45 with 43·9 as mean in S. commerson and 47–52 with 49·7 as mean in S. guttatus.     

Scanning electron microscopy of Echinostoma trivolvis and E. caproni (Trematoda) adults from experimental infections in the Golden Hamster

Scanning electron microscopy was used to compare the topography of Echinostoma trivolvis and E. caproni adults grown in golden hamsters for 15 days. The oral sucker of E. caproni was well-defined whereas that of E. trivolvis was not. Collar spines of E. trivolvis were contoured whereas those of E. caproni were smooth. The tegumentary spines of E. trivolvis were scale-like whereas those in E. caproni were thorn-like. The acetabular lip of E. trivolvis bore abundant papillae but relatively few spines; this situation was reversed on the acetabulum of E. caproni. A folded protuberance of unknown function was located just posterior to the genital pore in E. trivolvis; this structure was absent in E. caproni.     

Morphometry and chaetotaxy of the nymphs of Ectemnostega (Ectemnostegella) quechua (Bachmann 1961) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Corixidae)

The egg and the five nymphal instars of Ectemnostega quechua are described and illustrated for the first time. The eggs of Ectemnostega have a short stalk, and the shape, size and chorionic structure differ among groups of species. The nymphal characters most useful in identifying instars I–V of Ectemnostega are: body length; number of rostrum sulcations; number of setae on inner surface of protibiotarsus; spines and setae, and spines on posteroventral surface of mesofemur and mesotibia, respectively; setae on posterodorsal surface of mesotibia and mesotarsus; spines and setae on anteroventral surface and setae on posterior surface of metatibia; swimming hairs on anteroventral and posterodorsal surfaces of metatarsus; and the grade of development of wing pads. The nymphs of E. quechua can be easily distinguished from other species of Ectemnostega by the number of spines and setae on the posteroventral surface of mesofemur.     

European species of Haustorius (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Haustoriidae), with description of a new Mediterranean species

The genus Haustorius is represented by six species in the world; three are described as American species, three European including a new species described from the Mediterranean. This new species, H. orientalis, is similar to H. algeriensis Mulot, from the Algerian coast but differs in rostrum slightly exceeding in length the antennal lobes, merus of pereiopod 7 with posterior margin lacking spines, and uropod 1 with two separate rows of spines.     

Polydora and related genera (Polychaeta: Spionidae) from the Grand Caribbean region

The study of previously unidentified material of Spionidae from the Grand Caribbean region resulted in the discovery of five new species in four genera: Boccardia salazari sp. nov., Dipolydora anatentaculata sp. nov., D. contoyensis sp. nov., Polydora quintanarooensis sp. nov. and Pseudopolydora floridensis sp. nov. Boccardia salazari is characterized by two types of major spine in chaetiger 5, one with expanded end bearing cusps without bristles, the other, simple, falcate; D. anatentaculata is characterized by an occipital antenna, and major spines simple, falcate, without subterminal protuberance; D. contoyensis is characterized by six pairs of branchiae on chaetigers 11–16, major spines with two large accessory teeth on concave and convex sides in chaetiger 5, and pygidium small, glandular, cuff‐shaped with dorsal notch; Polydora quintanarooensis is characterized by two eyes, modified spines of chaetiger 5 falcate, with a lateral tooth, and gizzard‐like structure present at segment 16, and Pseudopolydora floridensis is characterized by two types of major spines in chaetiger 5, first falcate, second pennoned, with both types arranged in U‐shaped, double row, a caruncle extending to chaetigers 6–7, and an occipital antenna. A key to all species of Boccardia, Dipolydora, Polydora and Pseudopolydora from the Grand Caribbean region is provided.     

Expanding the taxonomic conundrum: Three new species of groundwater crustacean (Syncarida,Bathynellacea, Parabathynellidae) endemic to the Iberian Peninsula

Two new species of the genus Iberobathynella and one new species of the cosmopolitan genus Hexabathynella are described from the Iberian Peninsula. The three new species were found in the groundwater of caves and the gravelly bank of a river, two species in the north of Spain (Cantabria and Burgos) and one in the south (Sevilla). The two new species of the genus Iberobathynella present a unique combination of characters. These character combinations for the species from Cantabria are: thoracopod 8 female with wrinkled cuticle and two teeth; seven spines on the furca; nine spines on the sympod, three barbed and one plumose seta on the exopod and two barbed setae on the endopod of the uropod; maxilla with 0, 0 and 15 setae on the three segments, respectively; five teeth on the pars incisiva and six teeth on the pars molaris of the mandible and seven segments on the antennule. The combinations of characters for the species from Burgos are: antennule with seven segments; segment 5 of the antennule with one aesthetasc; mandible with four and five teeth on the pars incisiva and pars molaris respectively; maxillule with one seta on segment 1 and 14 setae on segment 3; segment 1 of the endopod of the thoracopod 1 with two setae; uropod with six spines on the sympod, four barbed setae and one plumose seta on the exopod and no setae on the endopod; furca with five spines and the thoracopod 8 female with wrinkled cuticle and two teeth. This last species has an exclusive character for the genus: the absence of setae on the endopod of the uropod. The new species of the genus Hexabathynella has six spines of similar length on the sympod of the uropod (in all other species within the genus the distal spine is longer than the others); the form of the antennal organ in the males is shown to be a new unique character for the genus; the maxilla has three and 13 setae on segments 2 and 3, respectively; the uropod has six spines on the sympod, three barbed setae on the exopod and two smooth setae on the endopod, the endopod is twice as long as the exopod and the shape of the female thoracopod 8 is unique.     

Disentangling an Asian puzzle: Two new bathynellid (Crustacea,Syncarida, Parabathynellidae) genera from Vietnam

In this paper the 17 asiatic species of the family Parabathynellidae are reviewed from a taxonomic point of view using bibliographic data. Two new genera and two new species are described from caves in Vietnam. Paraeobathynella n. g. presents a unique combination of characters (antennule: seven segments; antenna: six segments; mandible: pars incisiva with five teeth and pars molaris with 10 teeth; maxillule: distal endite with seven claws; exopod of the thoracopods with three or more segments and epipods present in thoracopods 3–7; pleopods absent; endopod of the Th 8 male with two setae; seven spines on the sympod and two spines on the endopod of the uropod and the small minimum size of the adult body) and exclusive characters like the Th 8 female having two small spines and one long seta and the general size and aspect of the Th 8 male and its lobes. Sketinella n. g. presents a unique combination of characters (antennule: eight segments; antenna; six segments; mandible: pars incisiva with six teeth and pars molaris with eight teeth: maxillule: distal endite with seven claws; exopod of the thoracopods with three or more segments and epipods present in Th 3–7; endopod of the thoracopod 8 male with two setae; 12 spines on the sympod and two spines on the endopod and seven setae on the exopod of the uropod) and characters exclusive to the asiatic species are: a pair of pleopods reduced to a single seta; a very distinctive basipod and outer lobe of the Th 8 male and an exopod of the Th 8 male with a small tooth or protuberance. This is the first time that the Parabathynellidae has been found in Vietnam, this find extends the range of distribution of this family in Asia.     

A new polychaete genus and species of the Kongsfjorden,Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Glyphochaeta laudieni, a new genus and species of the “Spionidae”, is described from the Arctic. The specimens were collected from the Kongsfjorden, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, in a marine grotto. Glyphochaeta laudieni was associated with colonies of unidentified Bryozoa. This new genus and species is characterized by a prostomium with frontal horns, the absence of branchiae and sabre chaetae, and the presence of grooved spines which replace hooded hooks in some chaetigers of the middle body region. These spines are associated with glandular organs situated in neuropodia. The significance of characters for determining the systematic position of Glyphochaeta within “Spionidae” is discussed. Glyphochaeta laudieni is probably related to Pygospio elegans.     

Cylindropygus ferox gen. n., sp. n.: A new member of the Cryptopygus complex (Collembola,Isotomidae) from central France

Cylindropygus, a new genus of isotomid Collembola, is described. It differs from all other genera of Isotomidae by a unique combination of characters (abdominal segments V and VI fused, eyes absent, postantennal organ present and elongate, S‐chaetotaxy, and absence of foil chaetae) and two remarkable features: a modified labium, with papillae A, B, D bearing strong spines; and a swollen, globular accp3 chaeta on Abd.V. Cylindropygus ferox sp. n. is common in forest soils of central France.     

Reproduction and morphology of Polydorella (Polychaeta: Spionidae), including the description of a new species from the Philippines

A new spionid polychaete, Polydorella kamakamai, associated with sponges is described from the Philippines. Polydorella kamakamai is characterized by acicular neurosetae in segments 2–7, a fifth segment containing a ventral row of spines with digitiform bosses, and lack of branchiae. As in all members of the genus, P. kamakamai undergoes asexual reproduction via paratomy; the process of paratomy is examined through scanning electron and light microscopy. This species exhibits a growth zone following segment 10, leading to the production of stolon individuals budding from the stock individual; five or more individuals can thus be formed in a single chain. Paratomic division typically occurs in chains containing four to five individuals and as a result colonies are dominated by chains of two individuals. Sexual reproduction is documented for only the second time in the genus; P. kamakamai produces eggs in segments 13–15. Asexual reproduction and fine morphological structure of the ventral spines of the fifth segment are examined by SEM in P. dawydoffi and P. stolonifera. Polydorella dawydoffi is recorded for the first time from the Philippines and the Red Sea and these are compared to type specimens from Vietnam. The ventral spines of P. dawydoffi contain eight or nine rounded or pointed teeth along the apical end and a capillary extension not previously observed with light microscopy. Notes on feeding biology, parasitism by copepods, and a discussion of the evolutionary relationships of Polydorella and other polydorids are provided.     

On the genus Racekiela in Mexico: molecular and morphological description of Racekiela cresciscrystae n. sp.

ABSTRACT

In Mexico, there are currently two known species of Racekiela: R. ryderii and R. montemflumina. Here we describe a new species from high-altitude streams in central and southern Mexico. Racekiela cresciscrystae sp. nov. presents two morphotypes: thick encrusting with raised ridges or lobose outgrowths at the surface and dark green in colour, or lime-green encrustations. The new species as megascleres presents microspined oxeas from 200 to 300 µm long, some centrotylote, or with malformations. Gemmules are spherical with a tri-layered theca, constituted by radially embedded birotules and pseudobirotules. The birotules have longer shaft than the rotule diameter, which is flat, and some slightly umbonate. Pseudobirotules of typical morphology have strongly or somewhat spined shaft. Spines can be straight or hooked. The species also presents other type of pseudobirotules, which are umbonate and with only small warts, instead of spines. DNA sequences from the nuclear ITS1-5.8-ITS2 region were sequenced from the holotype and a paratype of the new species to determine their phylogenetic relationships with other members of the family Spongillidae. Tree topologies (Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood) were consistent in showing Racekiela creciscrystae sp. nov. as a sister clade of R. montemflumina confirming its allocation in a monophyletic genus Racekiela. A comparison with all the Racekiela species described so far is also included. This paper increases the number of species of freshwater sponges in Mexico, and confirmed that Racekiela is a monophyletic genus with morphological characters very well defined.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3769C54F-23C4-409A-AF02-81F3AA084F7A

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A512359D-E428-4D04-B08A-E189E3F6F962     

The larval development of Argulus coregoni Thorell (Crustacea: Branchiura)

Summary

The larval development of Argulus coregoni from the first to the ninth stage was studied, with special reference to the morphological changes of the appendages and some other parts of the body.

A newly hatched larva is a copepodid-form measuring 0·6–0·7 mm long and approaches the shape of the adult after moulting into the second stage (0·7–0·9 mm). Throughout the larval stages, the first maxilla shows the most remarkable modification. The larvae of the first to the fifth stage are equipped with two strong, curved claws, which act as a clasping organ, at the terminal segment of the first maxilla. The basal segment expands considerably at the third stage (0·9–1·1 mm) prior to forming a sucker at the sixth stage (1·7–2·2 mm). The claws start to degenerate at the fifth stage (1·4–1·8 mm), but are still recognizable as a rudiment after the seventh stage (2·2–2·6 mm). The other distinct morphological changes that occurred are: (1) bifurcation of the anterior part of the dorsal ridges on the carapace, (2) development of the male accessory copulatory organ at the basal segments of the second to the fourth legs, (3) number of posteriorly directed minute spines on the ventral surface of the carapace, (4) number of elements in the supporting ribs of the suckers, (5) number of spines found at the first segment of the second maxilla, and (6) number of setae on the four pairs of thoracic legs.

The larval forms of A. coregoni younger than the fourth stage (1·1–1·4 mm) are indistinguishable from those of A. japonicus and A. foliaceus.     

Zoeal stages of Hiplyra variegata (Rüppell, 1830) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Leucosiidae) reared in the laboratory and collected from plankton at Al-Kharrar creek,central Red Sea

The zoeal stages of Hiplyra variegata are described and illustrated for the first time. Zoea I was obtained from an ovigerous female, and the zoea II and zoea III stages were captured in the plankton (their identity was confirmed by rearing some of them from earlier stages). Comparisons are made with the only other species of the genus of which larvae are known, i.e. H. platycheir. The presence of a lateral spine on the carapace of zoea I is one of the most important characters that can be used for easy recognition of H. variegata. It is important to note that the third zoea of H. variegata has four small spines at each posterolateral margin of the carapace, in contrast to three spines in other species.     

Les espèces atlantiques du genre Eumunida Smith, 1883 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Chirostylidae)

Specimens of the genus Eumunida have been studied from various localities in the Atlantic Ocean. Comparisons of specimens from northwest and southwest Africa with material of E. picta from the western Atlantic Ocean has revealed two new species: E. bella nov. and E. squamifera sp. nov.

E. squamifera from the coast of Namibia, South West Africa, is distinguished from the two other atlantic species by a scaley striation of the carapace.

The northwest African E. bella and the western Atlantic E. picta, type of the genus, are closely related species, but differ from each other by the number and size of carapace marginal spines, shape of the anterior margin of the third thoracic sternum, and the ridges on the second abdominal segment. Their coloration is also different.

One specimen from the Tasman Sea identified by Gordon in 1930 as E. picta represents a further new taxon, E. australis sp. nov. It is readily distinguished from the three Atlantic species by the number of carapace anterio-lateral spines and the long acute projections of the third thoracic sternum.

All these species belong to the group A, as defined by Gordon (1930).     

The postcranial skeleton of Proterorhinus marmoratus with remarks on the relationships of the genus Proterorhinus (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

The postcranial osteology of the Ponto-Caspian tubenose goby Proterorhinus marmoratus is described and its relevance to the systematic position of Proterorhinus is discussed. Proterorhinus marmoratus differs significantly from the gobioids of the Ponto-Caspian and Atlantic-Mediterranean in the anterior displacement of the origin of the first dorsal fin. The first dorsal-fin pterygiophore of the tubenose goby inserts in the second interneural space between the neural spines of the second and third vertebrae. The first pterygiophore of the other gobioids inserts in the third interneural space between the neural spines of the third and fourth vertebrae. The increased number of precaudal and caudal vertebrae and the dorsal pterygiophore formula starting with 2-12 in Proterorhinus marmoratus are derived character states. This 2-12 starting sequence and a single interneural space anterior to the first dorsal-fin pterygiophore are unique for gobioids and autapomorphies of Proterorhinus. It is proposed that Proterorhinus be placed in the subfamily Gobiinae.     

Two new species of the genus Chilibathynella Noodt, 1963 and Onychobathynella bifurcata gen. et sp. nov (Crustacea: Syncarida: Parabathynellidae) from New South Wales,Australia

Two new species of the parabathynellid genus Chilibathynella Noodt, 1963 Noodt, W. 1963. Estudios sobre Crustaceos de aguas subterraneas, III. Crustacea Syncarida de Chile Central. Investig Zool Chilenas, 10: 151–167.  [Google Scholar] are described from Australia. Chilibathynella joshuai sp. nov. has a unique combination of morphological characters, which includes five-segmented antenna, no epipodite on thoracopod I, two setae on the endopod of the male thoracopod VIII, homonomous row of 17 spines on uropodal sympod, uropodal exopod with four distal spines and a flat anal operculum. Chilibathynella digitus sp. nov. has two exclusive characters: six teeth on the pars incisiva of the mandible and a large, elongated digitiform protuberance (resembling a finger) on the basipod of male thoracopod VIII. The species also displays a unique combination of morphological characters, which includes five-segmented antenna, no epipodite on thoracopod I, no outer marginal seta on the first and second segments of the endopod of thoracopod I to VII, two setae on the endopod of the male thoracopod VIII, homonomous row of 12 spines on uropodal sympod, uropodal exopod with three distal spines and an unprotruded anal operculum. The two new species extend the distribution of the Chilibathynella genus in Australia from Victoria to New South Wales. A new genus and species of the family Parabathynellidae, Onychobathynella bifurcata gen. nov. sp. nov., is described from New South Wales, Australia. The new genus displays an evolutionary novelty, for Parabathynellidae and the entire group of Bathynellacea: the antennule, antenna, thoracopods, pleopod I and uropod have setae that are strong, thick, short, barbed and claw-like. This new genus is the first in the family without smooth setae on the antennule and antenna. The new genus also has a combination of characters that makes it unique in Parabathynellidae: the antennule is eight-segmented like Octobathynella Camacho and Hancock, 2010 Camacho, AI and Hancock, P. 2010. A new record of Parabathynellidae (Crustacea, Bathynellacea) in Australia: a new genus and species from New South Wales. J Nat Hist, 44(17–18): 1081–1094. [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; the antenna is five-segmented; the labrum has 20 teeth; the exopod of thoracopod I to VII has only one segment; the endopod lacks dorsal setae on the first segment and the epipod is absent from thoracopod I; first pleopods are present and resemble two barbed curved claws; there are 18 bifid spines on the sympod, two spines and four setae resembling strong barbed claws on the endopod and six robust setae on the exopod of the uropod.