A new species of solitary ascidian (Ascidacea: Pyuridae) from Mason Bay, Northwest Territories, Canada

Abstract

Hartmeyeria arctica sp. nov., a solitary shallow-water ascidian from Mason Bay, Northwest Territories, Canada, is distinguished by its unipartite liver, nonreduction of any branchial folds, a smooth anal margin, and the absence of branchial papillae, circular muscles at the penduncle base and endocarps. It is the only species of Hartmeyeria with only a left gonad; the right one is absent. This finding extends the distribution of the genus Hartmeyeria.

Keywords :

• Pyuridae
• Ascidacea
• Hartmeyeria
• Northwest Territories
• Taxonomy