Deep-sea Kinorhyncha: two new species from the Guinea Basin,with evaluation of an unusual male feature

Two new species of homalorhagid kinorhynchs from the deep-sea Guinea Basin are described. Pycnophyes nubilis sp. nov. is easily recognized by the presence of paradorsal setae on segment 1; middorsal processes on segments 1–10, progressively increasing in length towards the posterior segments; and middorsal process on segment 10 extending over the last trunk segment. Pycnophyes farinellii sp. nov. is distinguished by middorsal elevations on segments 2–9 and laterodorsal and ventromedial setae on segments 2 and 9 only. Moreover, males of the latter species lack ventromedial tubes on segment 2—a very uncommon feature among the genus. The systematic significance of this character is discussed in detail.     

Three new intestinal protozoan species of the genus Latteuria n.g. (Ciliophora: Trichostomatia) from Asian and African elephants

Three new ciliate species presumably belonging to the family Paraisotrichidae were recognized in the fecal samples from zoo-kept Asian and African elephants. All the ciliates possess a unique but similar arrangement of somatic ciliature, thus a new genus Latteuria n.g. has been created for them. The genus is characterized by the presence of a tapered frontal ‘spout’ at the anterior end of the body, posterior ciliary rows in narrow grooves encircling the posterior half of the body and an anterior arch of cilia. Latteuria polyfaria n.sp. is the largest species in the genus with 9–11 posterior ciliary rows. In L. media n.sp., of medium body size, the number of rows varies from four to six, and the smallest species, L. trifaria n.sp., has only three-four posterior ciliary rows.     

Kinorhyncha from the stomach of the shrimp Pleoticus muelleri (Bate, 1888) from Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina

Six kinorhynchs were found in the stomachs of the Argentine red shrimp, Pleoticus mulleri (Bate, 1888) from the Argentine coast of Patagonia. Three new species are described: Condyloderes storchi n. sp., Pycnophyes argentinensis n. sp. and P. neuhausi n. sp. A fourth species, Kinorhynchus anomalus Lang, 1953 was previously known only from the coast of Chile. This is the third known record of kinorhynchs documented as a food source. Condyloderes storchi, n. sp. is the fourth new species in this genus. It is distinguished by its paradorsal cuspidate spines on segments 7 and 9, lateral accessory and ventrolateral spines on segments 3, 6, 7, 10 and 11. P. argentinensis, n. sp. has nearly equal sternal width for segments 3–11 (about 7% of the trunk length), episternal plates with three distinct areas along the anterior margin, mid-sternal plate with even margin, mid-dorsal spinose protrusions along the terminal borders of segments 11 and 12, and lateral terminal spines 176 μm long, about 21% of trunk length. P. neuhausi, n. sp.has a prominent posterior elongation of the tergal plate of segment 3, uneven lateral margins of the mid-sternal plate, a maximum sternal width at segment 3, no mid-dorsal spinose processes and mid-ventral thickenings on segments 10–12.     

Successive reduction of the last instar larva of Loricifera, as evidenced by two new species of Pliciloricus from the Great Meteor Seamount (Atlantic Ocean)

Two new species of the genus Pliciloricus Higgins & Kristensen, 1986, are described from coarse sand at the plateau of the Great Meteor Seamount. Together with other species of the genus, Pliciloricus corvus sp. n. and Pliciloricus senicirrus sp. n., demonstrate that the last or seventh instar Higgins-larva can be more and more reduced.

Additionally, in the life cycle of P. corvus sp. n. a simplified adult is discovered which has a simplified body with persisting neck region and a sack-like trunk. The adult of P. corvus sp. n. is characterized, e.g., by 15 broad cross-walls in the clavoscalids, midventral spinoscalids of the second row transformed into a new type of double-organ, a secondary double-organ in the third row of scalids, type B spinoscalids of the fourth row ending in a grappling hook, a crescent-shaped ornamentation of the lorica margin with rounded gaps and protrusions, and a pair of longitudinal cuticular protrusions on the end cone. Distinguishing features of the first to sixth instar Higgins-larvae of P. corvus sp. n. are, e.g., setae of moderate length and long end spines of toes with double bulges. The seventh instar Higgins-larva of P. corvus sp. n. is not fully developed, e.g., the abdominal region is indistinct; the scalids, toes, and all five pairs of setae are clearly shorter than in the preceding instars of Higgins-larvae.

The adult of P. senicirrus sp. n. is characterized, e.g., by clavoscalids with many fine transversal striae, claw-like type B spinoscalids of the fourth row ventrally winged and with seven embedded needle-like teeth, edge of the lorica with 24 small protrusions, and 20 papillate flosculi at caudal end. The Higgins-larva of P. senicirrus sp. n. is characterized, e.g., by the wide and frill-like first section of the mouth cone, the second segment of spinoscalids with ventral serration and double tip, long anterosetae with strong spinules, and by the toes being nearly as long as the short lorica, to name a few. The most obvious feature is the extreme length of the three pairs of posterosetae. The posteroterminal setae are nearly as long as the whole body. The seventh instar Higgins-larva of P. senicirrus sp. n. is not reduced as in the case of P. corvus sp. n.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tubulideres seminoli</Emphasis> gen. et sp. nov. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zelinkaderes brightae</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Kinorhyncha,Cyclorhagida) from Florida

One new kinorhynch genus and species and one new species from the genus Zelinkaderes are described from sandy sediment off Fort Pierce, Florida. The new genus and species, Tubulideres seminoli gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of the first trunk segment consisting of a closed ring, the second segment of a bent tergal plate with a midventral articulation and the following nine segments consisting of a tergal and two sternal plates. Cuspidate spines are not present, but flexible tubules are located on several segments, and in particular concentrated on the ventral side of the second segment. Middorsal spines are present on all trunk segments and are alternatingly offset to a position slightly lateral to the middorsal line. Zelinkaderes brightae nov. sp. is characterized by its spine formula in having middorsal spines on trunk segments 4, 6 and 8–11, lateroventral acicular spines on segment 2, lateral accessory cuspidate spines on segments 2 and 8, ventrolateral cuspidate spines on segments 4–6 and 9, lateroventral acicular spines present on segments 8 and 9, and midterminal, lateral terminal and lateral terminal accessory spines on segment 11. The spine formula of Z. brightae nov. sp. places it in a position in between Z. submersus and a clade consisting of Z. klepali and Z. floridensis. The new findings on Z. brightae nov. sp. have led us to propose an emended diagnosis for the genus.     

A new genus and species of oribatid mites <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scarabacarus longisensillus</Emphasis> gen. et sp. n. (Acariformes,Liacaridae) from the Caucasus

A new genus and species, Scarabacarus longisensillus gen. et sp. n., of the family Liacaridae are described from the Caucasus (Azerbaijan and Abkhazia): The new genus Scarabacarus is characterized by the highly convex body, straight anterior margin of the notogaster, narrow fusiform sensilla, the lamellae situated on the lateral margins of the prodorsum, the absence of interlamellar and notogastral setae (besides one posterior pair), presence of four pairs of genital setae, and tridactylous leg tarsi.     

Franciscideres gen. nov. – a new,highly aberrant kinorhynch genus from Brazil,with an analysis of its phylogenetic position

A new genus and species of Kinorhyncha, Franciscideres kalenesos gen. et sp. nov., is described from tidal and subtidal sandy habitats in Brazil. The new genus and species is characterized by an extremely flexible trunk without pachycycli that appears perfectly circular in cross-section, segments 1, 2 and 11 consisting of closed rings and 3 to 10 of single, bent plates with midventral articulations, a neck without placids that resembles an additional segment, densely packed scale-like, cuticular hairs, and a terminal segment with a middorsal spine and two sets of lateral terminal spines, but no midterminal spine. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA of Franciscideres kalenesos gen. et sp. nov. and 47 other kinorhynch ingroup taxa suggest that the new genus is a basal homalorhagid, whereas comparison of morphological characters indicates affinities between the new genus and the peculiar cyclorhagid Cateria.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:64E29D97-DE1D-4511-8683-C969DD2EED43     

First account on kinorhynchs from Portugal,with the description of two new species: Echinoderes lusitanicus sp. nov. and E. reicherti sp. nov.

The first exploration of the kinorhynch meiofauna in Portuguese marine waters has revealed the existence of two undescribed species of the cyclorhagid genus Echinoderes. In the present contribution we describe Echinoderes lusitanicus sp. nov. and Echinoderes reicherti sp. nov., both collected from subtidal regions of the coast of Algarve in the southernmost region of Portugal. Echinoderes lusitanicus sp. nov. is recognized by the presence of tubes on segment 2 in subdorsal and ventrolateral positions, on segment 5 in lateroventral positions, on segment 8 in lateral accessory positions, and on segment 10 in laterodorsal positions. Spines are present in middorsal position on segments 4 to 8, and in lateroventral positions on segments 8 and 9. The females have minute lateral terminal accessory spines. The second species, E. reicherti sp. nov., is characterized by tubes on segment 2 in subdorsal and ventrolateral positions, on segment 5 in lateroventral positions, and segment 8 in sublateral positions. In addition, the species possesses acicular spines in the middorsal position on segment 4, and in lateroventral positions on segments 6 to 9. Morphological aspects such as tube/spine pattern of the trunk or sexually dimorphic traits are discussed and compared with other Echinoderes species showing close resemblance.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:79C25EEE-9064-46F8-95E2-EE493DC82185     

First fossil fruits of Elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpaceae) in East Asia: Implications for phytogeography and paleoecology

The genus Elaeocarpus contains approximately 360 species and occurs in mesic forest communities from India, through to China, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Australia, and New Caledonia. Elaeocarpus fossils are best known from the Eocene to the Miocene of Australia and the late Pliocene–early Pleistocene of India, but have not been documented from East Asia before. Here we describe six new species of Elaeocarpus, E. nanningensis sp. nov. from the late Oligocene Yongning Formation of the Nanning Basin, E. presikkimensis sp. nov. from the Miocene Erzitang Formation of the Guiping Basin, E. prerugosus sp. nov., E. prelacunosus sp. nov., E. preserratus sp. nov., and E. preprunifolioides sp. nov. from the late Miocene Foluo Formation of the Nankang Basin in Guangxi, South China. This is the first reliable report for the genus occurring in East Asia, and the fossils indicate that Elaeocarpus had colonized this region by the late Oligocene and represented by a morphologically diverse group of species by the late Miocene. This sheds new insights into the timing and migration patterns of the genus in East Asia. Elaeocarpus is typically a rainforest genus occurring in mesic forests. Based on the habitat of their morphologically similar modern relatives we propose that these three sedimentary basins were warm and wet adjacent to mountainous regions with the evergreen or rain forests during the late Oligocene to Miocene.     

Meristoderes gen. nov., a new kinorhynch genus, with the description of two new species and their implications for echinoderid phylogeny (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida, Echinoderidae)

A new kinorhynch genus, Meristoderes gen. nov., and two new species from Spain and the Solomon Islands, respectively, are described. The new genus is distinguished from all other genera by the first segment consisting of a closed cuticular ring, and the second segment having partial tergosternal junctions, and a superficial midventral fold. This is a new cuticular configuration that may shed light into the phylogenetic relationships of echinoderid kinorhynchs. Meristoderes macracanthus gen. et sp. nov. from the Mediterranean coast of Spain is recognised by the presence of middorsal spines on segments 4, 6 and 8, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8, one pair of laterodorsal tubules on segment 10. Meristoderes galatheae sp. nov. from the Solomon Islands is recognized by having a middorsal spine on segment 4 only, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8 and subdorsal tubules on segment 10. Both species have a pattern of paraventral perforation site clusters on segments 3-9, with conspicuously long bracteate hairs from the posteriormost perforations sites on the segments 3-7 and 3-6, respectively.The new genus Meristoderes gen. nov. is included into the family Echinoderidae Bütschli, 1876 and appears closely related with the genera Cephalorhyncha Adrianov, 1999 and Echinoderes Claparède, 1863. The new information it provides is discussed to clarify the internal phylogeny of Echinoderidae. The terminology for cuticular characters in the overlapping area between consecutive segments is also standardized.     

On a new acanthocephalan family and a new order, from birds in Vietnam

During November 2000, a collection of acanthocephalans from birds in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, included a new genus and species in a new family and order. Pyrirhynchus heterospinus n. gen., n. sp. (Pyrirhynchidae n. fam.: Heteramorphida: new order) is described from Actitis hypoleucos (Linnaeus, 1758) (common sandpiper). The new family combines characters from Polymorphidae and Heteracanthocephalidae, and it includes new features. Specimens of the new species are distinguished from those of Heteracanthocephalidae and/or Polymorphidae by their long cylindrical trunk with anterior swelling, pyriform proboscis with hooks much larger ventrally, brain at the anterior end of the receptacle, specialized tubular cement glands, and elliptoid eggs with concentric shells. A detailed analysis of proboscis and trunk armature is included, and specimens of several species of Arhythmorhynchus Lühe, 1911 (Polymorphidae) were studied for comparative purposes. The proboscis of P. heterospinus is armed with 17 to 20 rows of 17 to 19 hooks each, with anterior 9-11 hooks rooted and posterior 6-10 spines rootless.     

Pseudobagrus brachyrhabdion, a new catfish (Teleostei: Bagridae) from the middle Yangtze River drainage, South China

Pseudobagrus brachyrhabdion sp. nov., from the Yuan Jiang and Xiang Jiang of the middle Yangtze River drainage in Hunan and Guizhou Provinces, South China, is described herein. It is distinguished from all other Pseudobagrus species with a truncate or slightly emarginated caudal fin by an unique combination of the following characters: supraoccipital plate and nuchal plate broadly interspaced and covered with skin; nasal barbels only at most reaching anterior margin of eye; maxillary barbels reaching slightly beyond posterior margin of eye; outer mandibular barbels extending to posterior margin of eye; dorsal fin with a somewhat convex distal margin, origin nearer to pectoral-fin insertion than to pelvic-fin insertion; dorsal-fin spine shorter than pectoral spine, with a somewhat serrated posterior margin; pectoral-fin spine with a smooth anterior margin; anal fin with 20–23 rays, base length 23.8–32.0% of standard length, posterior end of anal-fin base anterior to posterior end of adipose fin base; no longitudinal black band extending along flank; eyes large, diameter 16.3–23.7% of head length; and number of vertebrae 5 + 43–46.     

Evoxymetopon moricheni,a new cutlassfish from the northern Red Sea (Teleostei: Trichiuridae)

Evoxymetopon moricheni n. sp. is described from the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, on the basis of a single specimen. It is characterised within the genus by a convex upper head profile; the posterior confluence of the frontal ridges slightly elevated at the nape, resulting in the presence of a slight sagittal crest; eye 5.2 times in head length; the lower hind margin of opercle slightly pointed in its lower half; the pelvic fins reduced to a scale-like structure with two soft rays on the posterior process of the basipterygium, its origin below the eighth dorsal-fin element; the first anal spine single, oval, scale like, and originating a short distance behind the vent (opposite the 34th dorsal-fin soft ray), anterior anal-fin soft rays minute and embedded, barely penetrating the skin and not visible externally, while the posterior fin supporting the rays enlarged and visible externally; approximately 17 anal-fin rays externally visible; approximately 83 dorsal-fin elements, with first spine not elongate, shorter than second; 12 pectoral-fin rays (ii + 6 + iv), with shorter anterior (fourth ray shortest) and longer posterior rays extending above the lateral line; 10 upper and 13 lower gill rakers of the first gill arch; head and body silver white, with a blackish margin anteriorly on snout and head, continuing along the anterior half of the dorsal-fin base. The new finding represents a new record of the genus from the Red Sea.     

A NEW BRACHYTHORACID ARTHRODIRE FROM THE DEVONIAN OF DICKSON LAND, VESTSPITSBERGEN

A brachythoracid anterior dorsolateral plate from the Devonian of Dickson Land is described as Arctonema crassum n.g., n.sp. In discussing the systematic position of this new genus, which may belong to the Holonematidae, remarks are given on the system of lateral lines on the anterior part of the trunk in coccosteids and holonematids. It is shown that even the posterior ventrolateral plate in some coccosteomorphs may exhibit lateral line grooves.     

Revision of the genus Noculacia Mayer, 1903 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Caprellidea) with the description of two new species

The genus Noculacia Mayer, 1903 is reviewed. Two new species, N. africana n. sp. and N. australiensis n. sp., are described based on material collected from southeast Africa and western-southern Australia, respectively. Noculacia bullata Mayer, 1903, the type species of the genus, is redescribed. Noculacia bogisa Mayer, 1903 is transferred to the genus Pseudoprotella Mayer, 1890 mainly on the basis of the presence of a well developed molar, the structure of pereopods 3 and 4, and the setal formula of the mandibular palp being 2-x-1. The genus Noculacia is presently composed of three species: N. africana n. sp., N. australiensis n. sp, and N. bullata Mayer, 1903. The genus Pseudoprotella is composed of P. bogisa (Mayer, 1903), P. inermis Chevreux, 1927, and P. phasma (Montagu, 1804).     

Two New Species of Afronurus (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) from Vietnam

ABSTRACT Two new species of the heptageniid mayfly genus Afronurus Lestage, Afronurus meo sp. n. and Afronurus mnong sp. n., are described from Vietnam with line-drawings of key characters. The larvae of A. meo can be characterized by rowed minute spines in the posterior margin of the abdominal terga 1-9 and distinct markings on anterior head, dorsal femora, and abdominal terga. The larvae of A. mnong can be characterized by scattered simple stout setae on the anterior margin and dorsal surface of femora, rowed acute spines on the posterior margin of abdominal terga 1-9, and plain brown body color. Their diagnoses, material data, distributions, and habitat and biological data are provided.     

Monogenea of Arabian Gulf fishes. 1. Descriptions of three Capsala spp. (Capsalidae) including Capsala naffari n. sp. infecting mackerel tuna Euthynnus affinis from coasts of Emirates

Three species of the genus Capsala including Capsala naffari n. sp., C. neothunni (Yamaguti, 1968) and C. nozawae (Goto, 1894) are recorded and described from the buccal cavity of mackerel tuna Euthynnus affinis caught from Emirate coasts. Capsala naffari can be differentiated by its lateral spiniform teeth, which extend posteriorly, small measurements compared with the closely resembled C. gotoi and relatively large testes. This is the first record of the genus Capsala from Arabian Gulf fishes and E. affinis is a new host record.     

Two new blood flukes (Digenea: Sanguinicolidae) from Epinephelinae (Perciformes: Serranidae) of the Pacific Ocean

Pearsonellum pygmaeus n. sp. is described from Cromileptes altivelis (Serranidae), the Barramundi Cod, from Heron Island (southern Great Barrier Reef) and Lizard Island (northern Great Barrier Reef). This new species differs from Pearsonellum corventum (type and only species) in the combination of smaller overall body size, the relative distance of the brain from the anterior end, the relative lengths of both the oesophagus and the testis, the degree to which the testis extends outside the intercaecal field, the shape of the testis, the shape and size of the ovary and the extent to which the uterus loops around the ovary. There are in addition, 20 base pair differences between the ITS2 rDNA sequence of P. pygmaeus n. sp. and that of P. corventum. Three new host records for P. corventum are reported. Adelomyllos teenae n. g., n. sp. is described from Epinephelus coioides (Serranidae), the Estuary Cod, from Moreton Bay, southeast Queensland. The new genus differs from the 22 other sanguinicolid genera in the combined possession of two testes, a cirrus-sac, separate genital pores, a post-ovarian uterus and an H-shaped intestine. A. teenae n. sp. is the third sanguinicolid described from the Epinephelinae. Sanguinicolids have now been reported from 11 species of Serranidae.