Zoogonidae (Digenea) from southern Great Barrier Reef fishes with a description of Steganoderma (Lecithostaphylus) gibsoni n. sp.

Two species of the Zoogonidae are recorded from Heron Island on the southern Great Barrier Reef. Steganoderma (Lecithostaphylus) gibsoni n. sp. is described from the intestine of Abudefduf whitleyi (Pomacentridae). The new species is distinguished by the combination of the following: pedunculate ventral sucker, caeca extending well past testes, presence of two-chambered internal seminal vesicle, vitelline follicles extending only to anterior margin of testes, and testes close to ventral sucker. Zoogonus pagrosomi Yamaguti, 1939 is recorded from Lethrinus atkinsoni (Lethrinidae). This species has been recorded previously only from a sparid from Japan. A new combination, Steganoderma (Lecithostaphylus) fugus (Zhang, Qiu & Li, 1986), is made.     

Description of two new miniature species of Hylopanchax Poll & Lambert, 1965 (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae), from northeastern Gabon,with an updated diagnosis of the genus based on morphology,colouration and osteology

Two new species of the lampeye genus Hylopanchax are described from the Ivindo River basin in the Ogowe River drainage. Hylopanchax multisquamatus, new species, and Hylopanchax thysi, new species, differ from congeners by the presence of a hyaline urogenital male papilla with small black spots and a dark-brown reticulate pattern on the flanks of both males and females in preserved specimens. Hylopanchax multisquamatus is distinguished from congeners by the number of scales on the mid-longitudinal series (27–30 vs. 19–26, respectively) and by the relative anterior/posterior flank scale depth ratio (140%–150% vs. 170%–220%). Hylopanchax thysi is distinguished from all other congeners, except Hylopanchax paucisquamatus, by the presence of vertebrae (30 vs. 31–33) and is further distinguished from H. multisquamatus by the presence of a deeper caudal peduncle and much larger anterior flank scales. It is distinguished from H. paucisquamatus by the presence of a hyaline urogenital male papilla with small black spots and a dark-brown reticulate pattern on the flanks of both males and females in preserved specimens. Osteological data of Hylopanchax are presented for the first time, and an updated diagnosis based on external morphology, colouration pattern and osteology is provided. An osteological comparison with closely related species belonging to the genera Procatopus, Hypsopanchax and “Hypsopanchax” is presented. (a) A truncate and slightly downward-directed anterior process of the angulo-articular and (b) a guitar-shaped lachrymal with both its anterior and posterior margins sharply curved are here considered as diagnostic features of Hylopanchax.     

Prochristianella spinulifera n. sp. (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) from Australian dasyatid and rhinobatid rays

Prochristianella spinulifera n. sp. (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha: Eutetrarhynchidae) is described from the spiral valves of the rays Rhinobatos typus (Rhinobatidae) and Himantura fai (Dasyatidae) from Heron Island, Queensland, Australia. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the deltoid microtriches covering the anterior 80% of the scolex and the presence of a dorsoventrally elongate genital atrium. The species occurred in the anteriormost section of the spiral valve of R. typus. The orientation of the armature of this and other congeners is such that principal rows of hooks begin on the bothridial surface of the tentacle and end on the antibothridial surface.     

Pelagostrobilidium liui n. sp. (Ciliophora,Choreotrichida) from the Coastal Waters of Northeastern Taiwan and an Improved Description of Pelagostrobilidium minutum Liu et al., 2012

The number of somatic kineties in Pelagostrobilidium ranges from 4 to 6 according to the present state of knowledge. This study investigates Pelagostrobilidium liui n. sp. using live observation, protargol stain, and small subunit rDNA data sequencing. Pelagostrobilidium liui n. sp. is characterized by having a spherical‐shaped body, four somatic kineties, with kinety 2 spiraled around the left side of body, about six elongated external membranelles, and invariably no buccal membranelle. It differs from its most similar congener, Pelagostrobilidium minutum Liu et al., 2012 , in (i) cell shape; (ii) macronucleus width; (iii) oral apparatus; (iv) anterior orientation of kinety 2; (v) location where kinety 2 commences; (vi) arrangement of kinety 1; (vii) distance between the anterior cell end and the locations where kineties commence; and (viii) the presence of 12 different bases (including two deletions) in the small subunit rDNA sequences. The diagnosis of P. minutum Liu et al., 2012 is also improved to include the following new characteristics: invariably four somatic kineties; kineties 2 and 4 alone commence at the same level; kinety 2 originates from right anterior cell half on ventral side, extends sinistrally posteriorly, over kinety 1, around left posterior region, terminates near posterior cell end on dorsal side; kinety 1 commences below anterior third of kinety 2.     

A NEW TITANOSAUR FROM WESTERN SÃO PAULO STATE, UPPER CRETACEOUS BAURU GROUP, SOUTH-EAST BRAZIL

Abstract: Material from a new titanosaur from the Bauru Basin (Bauru Group), Brazil is described and compared with well‐known titanosaurs. Adamantisaurus mezzalirai gen. et sp. nov. is based on six articulated anterior caudal vertebrae and two haemapophyses collected from the Adamantina Formation, which is considered to be Campanian–Maastrichtian? in age. Adamantisaurus mezzalirai is characterized by the following combination of characteristics: anterior caudal vertebrae with straight or slightly backwardly‐projecting neural spines with strongly expanded distal ends, stout prespinal lamina, very wide pre‐ and postzygapophyseal articular facets, and concave postzygapophyseal articular facets on anterior caudal vertebrae. Although our cladistic analysis has produced equivocal results, Adamantisaurus mezzalirai shares with DGM ‘Series B’ (Peirópolis titanosaur) and Aeolosaurus the presence of postzygapophyses with concave articular facets, and shares with DGM ‘Series B’ the presence of laterally expanded neural spines and stout prespinal lamina. Additionally, A. mezzalirai shares with DGM ‘Series’ C (other titanosaur from Peirópolis) the presence of short neural spines.     

Phylogenetic relationships of Asian freshwater Mytiloidea (Bivalvia): a morphological and genetic comparison of Sinomytilus harmandi,Limnoperna fortunei and Septifer bilocularis

ABSTRACT

The Mekong River endemic Sinomytilus harmandi possesses an internal anterior shell septum. It is thus superficially similar to the marine representatives of the, as currently defined, Septiferinae (Mytilidae) although species of the latter possess an anterior adductor muscle located between their septa and are characterised by accessory posterior adductor muscles, both of which are absent in S. harmandi. This study demonstrates that S. harmandi is monophyletic with the only other, similarly native Asian, freshwater mytiloid, Limnoperna fortunei, based on the phylogenetic tree herein presented. Asian freshwaters thus seem to have been colonised by the Mytilidae relatively recently and on two occasions from a common ancestor also associated with representatives of the Lithophaginae, as currently defined. The common presence of an anterior septum in S. harmandi and species of the Septiferinae, as currently recognised, is thus the result of convergence as is the anatomical similarity between S. harmandi and representatives of the Central European Dreissenidae (Heterodonta), which also possess an anterior shell septum.     

Pentastomid Nymph From the Brain of a Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus). I. Morphology of the Nymph

A Pentastomid nymph of the genus Porocephalus was identified following its removal from the brain–meningeal interface of a squirrel monkey, Saimiri sciureus. It was characterized by two inner and two outer hooks adjacent to the mouth opening, the presence of accessory lobes (or spines) on the outer hooks, a vertical slit-like mouth opening surrounded by a U-shaped conformation of integument, and annulation of the body surface. Stigmata, representing the openings of integumental chloride cells, were present on the dorsum of the head and tail, on anterior aspects of annulae on the body, and on anterior and posterior edges of annulae located on the ventral surface of the tail. These openings were not present on integumental folds at the bases of the inner and outer hooks, on the dorsal aspect of the tail flap, or in the deep grooves separating annulae. Although it was not possible to determine the species, based on the number of annulae this specimen may represent P. stilesi.     

Rhipidocotyle genovi n. sp. (Digenea: Bucephalidae) from the intestine ofGaidropsarus mediterraneus (L.) (Gadiformes: Gadidae) from the Black Sea

Rhipidocotyle genovi n. sp. is described from the fishGaidropsarus mediterraneus (L.) (Gadiformes: Gadidae) in the Black Sea. Morphological features characteristic of this species include: an anterior sucker with seven prominent muscular appendages; a pharynx rather posterior in position; ovary and testes relatively anterior in position, usually anterior to the pharynx; a long (in relation to body length) sucker, cirrus-sac and excretory vesicle; the presence of a pre-oral lip; and contiguous vitelline fields which form an arch. The new species is distinguished fromR. galeata, R. lamberti andBucephalus marinum. This is the first member of the genus whose adults are recovered from Black Sea marine fishes. Metacercariae, which encyst in large numbers in the musculature and fins of the blenniid fishesBlennius tentacularis, B. sanguinolentus, B pavo, B. sphinx andB. zvonimiri and exhibit a similar morphology to the adult, are described.     

Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Trimyema koreanum n. sp., a Ciliate from the Hypersaline Water of a Solar Saltern

ABSTRACT. A new ciliate, Trimyema koreanum n. sp., isolated from hypersaline water (salinity of 293‰) from a solar saltern in Korea, was investigated using live observation, protargol impregnation, and gene sequencing. Trimyema koreanum is about 30 × 13 μm in vivo, has usually 23 longitudinal ciliary rows forming two distinct ciliary girdles visible both in vivo and in protargol impregnation. A third indistinct ciliary girdle as well as a girdle of mucocysts is distinguishable only in impregnated cells. We suggest T. koreanum as a new species, differing from the most similar species, T. marinum, by the presence of two distinct ciliary girdles (T. marinum usually has six ciliary girdles clearly visible in living cells and three anterior spirals that encircle the cell completely). Although the number of known 18S rRNA sequences in the genus Trimyema was limited, the Trimyema group including T. koreanum forms a strong clade. The phylogenetic position confirms that the isolate belongs to the genus Trimyema and is different from previously sequenced species. Trimyema koreanum is able to consume both prokaryotes and small eukaryotes (specifically, the alga Dunaliella sp.).     

The genus Glochidinium gen. nov., with two species: G. penardiforme comb. nov. and G. platygaster sp. nov. (Peridiniaceae)

Glochidiniumgen. nov., a ncw genus of Peridiniaceae based on Peridinium penardiforme Lindemann, is herewith erected. Its plate formula is: Po+X+4′+6′′+3C+4S+5′′′+2′′′′ Main diagnostic characters of this new genus are the presence of only 3 cingular plates (it lacks the transitionalone), the third cingular contacting the anterior sulcal plate, and an unusual sulcus holding a small triangular posterior sulcal plate. The thecal morphology and structure of two freshwater planktic species of the genus are described on the basis of LM and SEM observations. G. penardiforme comb. nov. is an infrequent species, albeit widely distributed world-wide. It has been recorded under the names of Peridinium, Glenodinium and Peridiniopsis. Peculiar features in the tabulation of the furrows and of the surface sculpture show that the species does not fit any of the known genera, for which reason the new genus Glochidinium is established. G. platygaster sp. nov., the second species included in the genus, differs from the former by its elongated body, the regular pentagonal shape of its large first apical plate, an equally large sulcal anterior plate, and well developed sculpture, chiefly on the antapical plates. Glochidinium penardiforme and G. platygaster were found in some reservoirs from central and northern Argentina. G. penardiforme was also found in several Argentine rivers and ponds.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arkharavia heterocoelica</Emphasis> gen. et sp. nov., a new sauropod dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of the Far East of Russia

A new sauropod dinosaur, Arkharavia heterocoelica gen. et sp. nov., from the Maastrichtian (Udurchukan Formation) of the Amur Region, Russia, is described based on a tooth and several isolated anterior caudal vertebrae. It is distinguished by the saddle-shaped centrum and high neural spine of the anterior caudal vertebrae. Certain structural characters of the new genus are in common with Chubutisaurus insignis (Titanosauriformes) from the Upper Cretaceous of Argentina.     

Lankesteria barretti n. sp. (Eugregarinida,Diplocystidae), a Parasite of the Mosquito Aedes triseriatus (Say) and a Review of the Genus Lankesteria Mingazzini*

SYNOPSIS. Lankesteria barretti n. sp. (Eugregarinida, Diplocystidae) is named from the mosquito Aedes triseriatus in Texas. The young cephalins occur within the midgut epithelial cells. When they reach a length of about 150–200 μ they rupture the host cell and are released into the space between the epithelium and the peritrophic membrane, becoming gamonts. These grow to about 140–310 by 40 μ at the anterior end and 12 μ at the posterior end. When the host pupates they enter the lumen of the Malpighian tubules; pairs join in syzygy by their anterior ends and later more laterally. Each pair forms a spherical gametocyst about 60–100 μ (exceptionally 250 μ) in diameter. A large number of oocysts develop in each gametocyst. The mature oocysts are spindle-shaped, 11 by 5.4–5.7 μ, and contain 8 elongate sporozoites and a refractile residuum. The gametocyst wall breaks down, releasing oocysts in the Malpighian tubules of the host when it is adult. The oocysts pass out in the feces and presumably infect new larvae by ingestion. The cephalins and gamonts of L. barretti differ from those of L. culicis (of Aedes aegypti) in having a relatively anterior instead of a central nucleus and in lacking a noticeable mucron; its longitudinal folds are not as well-developed as in L. culicis, and its paraglycogen granules are larger. The fine structure of L. culicis and L. barretti is described in detail. Their gamonts have a polar ring but no definite conoid. The taxonomy of the genus is reviewed, but its species have been so poorly described that it is impossible to be sure whether they are all really Lankesteria. About 19 species have been described (5 from turbellaria, 8 from tunicates, perhaps 1 from Amphioxus, 1 from the chaetognath Sagitta sp., 1 from Phlebotomus and 3 from mosquitoes).     

Two New Brackish Ciliates,Amphileptus spiculatus sp. n. and A. bellus sp. n. from Mangrove Wetlands in Southern China,with Notes on the Molecular Phylogeny of the Family Amphileptidae (Protozoa,Ciliophora, Pleurostomatida)

Two new brackish pleurostomatid ciliates, Amphileptus spiculatus sp. n. and A. bellus sp. n. were collected from mangrove wetlands of southern China and their morphology and molecular phylogeny were studied. Amphileptus spiculatus sp. n. can be distinguished from congeners by the presence of 11–14 right and 6–8 left kineties, two macronuclear nodules and a conspicuous beak‐like anterior body end. Amphileptus bellus sp. n. is characterized by the presence of 2–4 macronuclear nodules, 31–35 right and 6 or 7 left kineties and two types of extrusomes. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequences data indicate that the family Amphileptidae is paraphyletic.     

Redescription of Testudotaenia testudo (Magath, 1924) (Eucestoda: Proteocephalidea), a parasite of Apalone spinifera (Le Sueur) (Reptilia: Trionychidae) and Amia calva L. (Pisces: Amiidae) in North America and erection of the Testudotaeniinae n. subfam.

Testudotaenia testudo (Magath, 1924) is redescribed from the intestine of the softshell turtle Apalone spinifera (Le Sueur) (Trionychidae) and the bowfin Amia calva Linnaeus (Amiidae) from Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee, United States. A new subfamily, the Testudotaeniinae, is erected. The new taxon differs from all proteocephalidean subfamilies in the position of the genital organs in relation to the longitudinal internal musculature, i.e. the testes are cortical, rarely medullary; the ovary is partly medullary, with cortical lobes; the vitelline follicles are mainly medullary, with some follicles in the cortex; and the uterus is cortical. A key to the subfamilies of the order Proteocephalidea Mola, 1928 is provided. The most characteristic features of T. testudo are the precocious uterine aperture, the presence of internal uterine pores (as previously described for Proteocephalus paraguayensis (Rudin, 1917)), the eggs laid unripe, the very long strobila (up to 970 mm), and the presence of an anterior circular musculature in the suckers, which is considered as a good differential character. Three other species were found in Amia calva: Proteocephalus perplexus La Rue, 1911, P. ambloplitis (Leidy, 1887) and a new, undescribed form. Sequences of the partial nuclear 28S rRNA gene of specimens of T. testudo from Apalone spinulifera and Amia calva confirm the conspecificity of samples from these two very distinct hosts, which may represent a capture phenomenon. As the subfamily Adenobrechmoinae Bursey, Goldberg & Kraus, 2006 and the genus Adenobrechmos Bursey, Goldberg & Kraus, 2006 are based on the presence of an apical organ, a character which reflects a rather common convergence, we consider the Adenobrechmoinae to be a junior synonym of the Proteocephalinae La Rue, 1911 and Adenobrechmos a junior synonym of Ophiotaenia La Rue, 1911. Adenobrechmos greeri Bursey, Goldberg & Kraus, 2006 thus becomes Ophiotaenia greeri (Bursey, Goldberg & Kraus, 2006) n. comb.     

Amapacanthus amazonicus n. g., n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Diplosentidae: Allorhadinorhynchinae) from Arius passany and Anableps microleps (Pisces) at Maraca Island off northern Brazil

Amapacanthus amazonicus n. g., n. sp. is described from the intestine of Arius passany (Valenciennes) and Anableps microleps Müller. The most important diagnostic features are: a small globular proboscis armed with 6 diagonal rows of 3 stout hooks; middle hooks conspicuously stouter and larger than anterior ones; terminal hooks as long as middle hooks but straighter and more slender; a double-walled proboscis receptacle; a trunk bearing spines anteriorly; and two tubular cement glands in the males. Amapacanthus n. g. is differentiated from Allorhadinorhynchus, Golvanorhynchus and Slendrorhynchus, the other genera of the Allorhadinorhynchinae, by the presence of a globular proboscis armed with a small number (18) of hooks. A key to the species of the Allorhadinorhynchinae is presented.