Setaphyes elenae sp. nov., a new species of mud dragon (Kinorhyncha: Allomalorhagida) from Skagerrak (north-eastern Atlantic Ocean)

Abstract

Meiofauna sampling in the proximity of Syd-Hällsö Island (Strömstad, Sweden) revealed a new species of Kinorhyncha from the Skagerrak. The species, Setaphyes elenae sp. nov., is distinguished from its congeners by the arrangement of the middorsal cuticular specializations (it has shortened, distally rounded middorsal processes on segments 1 and 9 and middorsal elevations throughout segments 2–8), as well as by the presence of paired laterodorsal setae on segments 3, 5, 7 and 9 and ventromedial setae on segments 3, 5 and 7 in both males and females. The finding of a new species from the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean, provides new valuable information for the recently established genus in the Allomalorhagida.

The genus Setaphyes (Kinorhyncha, Pycnophyidae) in European waters: Redescription of Setaphyes dentatus ( ) and Setaphyes kielensis ( ), including notes on morphometrics, sexually dimorphic features and reproduction of the genus

“…Previous studies (Sánchez et al, 2018;Cepeda et al, 2020;González-Casarrubios et al, 2022) suggested some morphometric differences between European Setaphyes species and sexes in the same species. These differences were found in the total trunk length and the ratio between total trunk length and length of lateral terminal spines.…”

“…At first sight, the congeners that most closely resemble S. dentatus are S. elenae, S. cimarensis and S. flaveolatus since the three species have conspicuous, reticulate ridges on the dorsal anterior margin of segment 1, which is absent in the remaining congeners (Zelinka, 1928;Higgins, 1983;Lemburg, 2002;Sánchez et al, 2018;Cepeda et al, 2020;González-Casarrubios et al, 2022). However, the ornamentation extends through the entire anterior margin of the segment only in S. dentatus, S. elenae and S. cimarensis; (Zelinka, 1928;Neuhaus, 1993, fig.…”

“…However, the ornamentation extends through the entire anterior margin of the segment only in S. dentatus, S. elenae and S. cimarensis; (Zelinka, 1928;Neuhaus, 1993, fig. 12A;Sánchez et al, 2018;Cepeda et al, 2020). The ornamentation on segment 1 in S. cimarensis consists of rounded depressions, while in S. dentatus and S. elenae it resembles a net-like structure.…”

“…A. González-Casarrubios et al presence of patches of thick, longitudinal, parallel ridges on segment 10 with S. dentatus (Zelinka, 1928;Cepeda et al, 2020). These cuticular features enable easy discrimination of S. dentatus from its congeners.…”

Hacia la creación de una colección de referencia de la fauna española de kinorrincos (Scalidophora: Kinorhyncha) en el Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales de Madrid (MNCN-CSIC)

“…Desde entonces, han surgido diferentes grupos de investigación dedicados parcial o totalmente al filo Kinorhyncha, muchos de ellos a partir de estudiantes o colaboradores de Higgins. En España existe un equipo de investigadores del laboratorio de meiofauna marina de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid que actualmente es uno de los grupos de investigación más activos en este campo (e.g., Pardos et al, 1998;Sánchez et al, 2012;Cepeda et al, 2020;González-Casarrubios et al, 2022).…”