Abstract
An undescribed dorvilleid belonging to the genus Ophryotrocha, Claparède & Mecznikow, has been collected in the harbor of Kyrenia, Cyprus, the harbor of Las Palmas, the Canary Islands, and has recently been reported from the Sand Island and Barber's Point sewage outfalls (Oahu, Hawaii) during an ongoing benthic bio-monitoring program. Previous investigations of possible indicator species suggest it may be an outfall associated species. The species has been continuously cultured since 1971 in Sweden, and in Hawaii since 1993. It has been documented by previous authors under the name Ophryotrocha adherens. These laboratory cultures have produced a profile of the species' life history. The basic reproductive pattern, which includes a short-term free swimming larva and brood protection within a flexible mucous cocoon, was revealed in a life table study. A full description of O. adherens morphology is presented here including results of light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of parapodia, setae, cilia and dentition. Recent community studies have shown that O. adherens abundances decrease with increasing distance from primary treatment sewage outfalls over the past eight years. Rapid reproductive response to organic enrichment makes O. adherens a candidate for marine sediment bioassays.
