Nephtyidae (Polychaeta: Phyllodocida) of Australia: new species from the North West Shelf, and a key to Australian species

Abstract

Five species of Nephtyidae new to Australia are described from the North West Shelf, and a key to the 18 known species of Australian nephtyids is given. Four of the species described are new: three species of Aglaophamus (A. foliocirrata sp. nov., A. hedlandensis sp. nov. and A. victoriae sp. nov.) and a new species of Inermonephtys (I. tetrophthalmos sp. nov.). Difficulties in the clear definition of Aglaophamus, Micronephthys and Nephtys indicate the need for systematic revision of the family.

Keywords :

• Systematics
• Polychaeta
• Nephtyidae
• Aglaophamus
• Micronephthys
• Inermonephtys
• North West Shelf
• Australia