Acantholaimus (chromadoridae:nematoda) from the Indian Ocean: description of seven species

Muthumbi, Agnes W.
Vincx, Magda

¹ Department of Morphology, Systematics & Ecology, Marine Biology Section, University of Gent, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Gent, Belgium.
² Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa, Kenya.

Hydrobiologia 346(3):p 59-76, March 1997. | DOI: 10.1023/A:1002937226161

Abstract

Seven species of the Acantholaimus aredescribed. Acantholaimus vermeuleni sp.n. ischaracterised by labial and cephalic sensilla thatare located at the same level, two post amphidialsetae on the dorso-lateral side and a poorlydeveloped stoma without distinct teeth. Acantholaimus verscheldi sp.n. is characterised bya narrow elongate pharyngeal region, a long stomawith distinct teeth and short (4-7 μm) cephalicsensilla. Acantholaimus heipi sp.n. ischaracterised by a narrow elongate pharyngealregion, well developed teeth in the stoma and longcephalic sensilla (11-13 μm). Acantholaimuselegans Jensen 1988 has a narrow anteriorpharyngeal region that increases in lengthposteriorly, it has setae before and after theamphids on both sides and stoma with well developedteeth. Acantholaimus gathumai sp.n. ischaracterised by long cephalic (10-15 μm) andsomatic (8-10 μm) setae and lateraldifferentiation with fine dots (5-7 μm inwidth). Acantholaimus geraerti sp.n. has longcephalic sensilla (15-19 μm) and narrow (4-6 μm)distinct lateral differentiation. Acantholaimusinvaginatum sp.n. is characterised byvery long cephalic setae (16-21 μm), severalsetae at the pharyngeal region and wide lateraldifferentiation with fine dots, often the stoma isinvaginated.

Distribution of the different species of Acantholaimus encoutered in the four transectsstudied is also described.