A new species of Scaptrella (Nematoda: Monhysterida) from the continental margin of the southeastern Arabian Sea

Abstract

A novel species of nematode belonging to the family Xyalidae is described from the continental margin of the southeastern Arabian Sea (1100 m). The new species, Scaptrella filicaudata sp. nov., is differentiated from the existing species by the swan-shaped longer spicule (45 μm), gubernaculum with dorsocaudally directed apophysis and long filiform tapering tail. A pictorial key to all the valid species of Scaptrella Cobb, 1917 is provided.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A541592A-3481-43C1-B702-C603B362DAFC

Key words:

• Arabian Sea
• continental slope
• deep sea
• nematode
• Scaptrella
• Xyalidae

Acknowledgements

The support and encouragement of Dr V.N. Sanjeevan (Former Director, CMLRE) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors wish to thank colleagues Mr Nousher Khan K., Mr Neil S. Coreyya and Mr Anilkumar P. R. (CUSAT) as well as the Officers, scientific team and support staff on board FORV Sagar Sampada (225) for their efforts during sampling.

Editorial responsibility: Danny Eibye-Jacobsen

Additional information

Funding

This work was carried out under the Marine Living Resources Programme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.