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First time discovery of Loricifera from Australian waters and marine caves
Heiner, I.; Boesgaard, T.M.; Kristensen, R.M. (2009). First time discovery of Loricifera from Australian waters and marine caves. Mar. Biol. Res. 5(6): 529-546. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17451000902933009
In: Marine Biology Research. Taylor & Francis: Oslo; Basingstoke. ISSN 1745-1000; e-ISSN 1745-1019, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Benthos > Meiobenthos
    Marine environments
    Taxa > Species > New taxa > New species
    Topographic features > Landforms > Coastal landforms > Caves
    Australoricus oculatus Heiner, Boesgaard & Kristensen, 2009 [WoRMS]; Loricifera [WoRMS]; Pliciloricus cavernicola Heiner, Boesgaard & Kristensen, 2009 [WoRMS]
    PSE, Australia, New South Wales [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Australia; Australoricus oculatus gen. nov et sp nov.; Loricifera;marine caves; Pliciloricus cavernicola sp nov.; zoogeographicimplications

Authors  Top 
  • Heiner, I.
  • Boesgaard, T.M.
  • Kristensen, R.M., more

Abstract
    Two new species of Loricifera, Pliciloricus cavernicola sp. nov. and Australoricus oculatus gen. nov. et sp. nov., have been found in two submarine caves, Jim's Cave and Fish Rock Cave, off the coast of New South Wales, Australia. This is the first discovery of Loricifera from Australia and additionally from marine caves. This paper is the third paper concerning the meiofauna animals from the two caves. Pliciloricus cavernicola sp. nov. is characterized by an adult having a large tripartite mouth cone with six oral stylets; clavoscalids with fine lines; a short, robust double organ; small leg-shaped scalids with three stiff hairs; simple claw-shaped scalids; reduction of trichoscalid basal plates in the first two rows and a midventral plica with three ridges. Australoricus oculatus gen. nov. et sp. nov. is characterized by a Higgins-larva having a pair of pigmented eyes; the 2nd scalid row missing; six smooth and long filiform scalids in the 6th row; six rectangular plates with two teeth in the 7th row; three pairs of ventral setae; two large lateral lorica plates; three pairs of posterior setae and toes with balloon-shaped mucrones.

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