[Ichthyology • 2026] Hongshuia wangi & H. boulobos • Two New Species of the Cyprinid Genus Hongshuia (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Pearl River Basin, Southwest China, with a Re-evaluation of the Taxonomic Status of H. paoli

 

 (A) Hongshuia wangi; (B) H. boulobos 

Zeng & Zhang, 

 

in Zeng, Tan, B.-L. Zhang et E. Zhang, 2026. 

 https://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/issue.php?id=2047

Two new species of the labeonin cyprinid genus Hongshuia, H. boulobos and H. wangi, are here described from tributaries of the Pearl River Basin, Southwest China. Both share with H. brevibarba the presence of a lower lip with a sector-shaped median lobe (the maximum width positioned at anterior potion of median lobe), distinguishing them from H. microstomata and H. megalophthalmus, which have a roughly rounded median lobe. Hongshuia wangi is distinct from H. brevibarba and H. boulobos in having wider median lobe of lower lip (width 47.8–57.6% of head width vs. 40.5–43.4% in H. brevibarba and 38.5–44.0% in H. boulobos). Hongshuia boulobos further differs from all other congeners in having a lower lip with larger lateral lobes (width more vs. less than one-third of the median lobe width). The study also considers H. paoli as a junior synonym of H. megalophthalmus based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Keywords: Biogeography, Cyprinidae, Morphology, Speciation, Taxonomy

Freshly collected specimen of (A) Hongshuia wangi, IHB 202402146680 and (B) H. boulobos, IHB 202405026699.

Distribution of species of Hongshuia.

Habitat of (A) Hongshuia wangi: the Zhangbu River (the surface section) and

 (B) H. boulobos: the Dongsai Subterranean River (the outlet).

 Hongshuia wangi Zeng & Zhang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Hongshuia wangi, new species, shares with H. brevibarba and H. boulobos, new species, the presence of a lower lip with a sector-shaped median lobe (the maximum width positioned at anterior potion of median lobe), by which they are separated from H. microstomata and H. megalophthalmus, which have a roughly rounded median lobe of lower lip. It is distinct from H. brevibarba and H. boulobos through a wider median lobe of lower lip (width 47.8–57.6% of corresponding head width vs. ...

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the family name of the collector (Guo-Fu Wang), in honor of his contribution in protecting the Zhangbu River and discovering the new species.

 

Hongshuia boulobos Zeng & Zhang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Hongshuia boulobos, new species, is distinct from all congeneric species in having a lower lip with larger lateral lobes (width more than vs. less than one-third of the median lobe width). It is similar to H. wangi and H. brevibarba in having a sector-shaped median lobe of lower lip, a character used to separate them from H. microstomata and H. megalophthalmus where the median lobe of lower lip is roughly rounded. ...

Etymology: The epithet, used as a noun, is derived from the Greek words ‘bou-’ (large) and ‘lobos’(lobe), in allusion to the two large lateral lobes of the lower lip. The common Chinese name proposed for the new species is ‘大叶红水鲮’. 

 

Zhi-Xuan Zeng, Cheng-Jiang Tan, Ben-Lin Zhang and E Zhang. 2026. Descriptions of Two New Species of the Cyprinid Genus Hongshuia (Pisces: Cypriniformes) from the Pearl River Basin, Southwest China, with a Re-evaluation of the Taxonomic Status of H. paoli. Zoological Studies 65:05. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2026.65-05

 https://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/issue.php?id=2047

[Crustacea • 2022] Borneosa gen. nov., Borneosa bario, B. kapit, B. serrata, ... • Establishment of A New Bornean Genus of Gecarcinucidae (Brachyura), with Descriptions of Five New Species

Borneosa bario 
B. sarawakensis
B. kapit 

Ng & Grinang, 2022 

DOI: doi.org/10.6620/ZS.2022.61-13 

The freshwater gecarcinucid species from Borneo previously referred to Sundathelphusa Bott, 1969, are transferred to a new genus. Borneosa gen. nov. can be diagnosed by the presence of a distinct frontal median triangle that is shorter than the frontal margin, a relatively longer male thoracic sternum in which the sternopleonal cavity reaches more anteriorly, and a male first gonopod that has the terminal segment prominently covered with long setae. The eight species recognised: B. tenebrosa (Holthuis, 1979), B. aspera (Ng & Stuebing, 1989), B. brachyphallus (Ng, 2015), and five new species, B. niah, B. bario, B. kapit, B. sarawakensis and B. serrata; can be distinguished by characters of the frontal median triangle, epibranchial tooth, anterolateral margin, third maxillipeds, ambulatory legs, male sternum, male pleon and male first gonopod.   

Key words: Freshwater crab, Gecarcinucoidea, New species, New genus, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Taxonomy, Distribution, Key

A, type locality of Borneosa sarawakensis sp. nov., Sungei Musing, first order stream feeding Batang Ai reservoir, Sri Aman, Sarawak;
B, B. sarawakensis sp. nov., holotype male (35.5 × 28.1 mm) (ZRC 2021.0516), Batang Ai, Sarawak (freshly preserved);
C, B. kapit sp. nov., paratype male (32.3 × 25.6 mm) (ZRC 2021.0520), Sungei Lebau, Pelagus, Kapit, Sarawak (freshly preserved).  

Colour in life. A–C, Borneosa aspera (Ng & Stuebing, 1989), female (44.5 × 33.7 mm (ZRC 2013.746), Temburong, Brunei; D, E, B. aspera (Ng & Stuebing, 1989), female (44.1 × 33.1 mm) (ZRC 2014.845), Temburong, Brunei; F, G, B. aspera (Ng & Stuebing, 1989), male (32.3 × 25.4 mm) (ZRC 2014.845), Temburong, Brunei;
H, B. bario sp. nov., holotype male (29.6 × 23.1 mm) (ZRC 2021.0692), Bario, Sarawak; I, B. bario sp. nov., paratype male (31.1 × 23.9 mm) (UNIMAS.C.00011), Bario, Sarawak; J, B. bario sp. nov., Sungei Lawan, tributary of Sungei Tutoh, Baram basin, Miri, specimen not caught.

Photographs: A, B, Mohd. Abdul Majid; C–F, Low Yee Wen. 

  

Peter K. L. Ng and Jongkar Grinang. 2022. Establishment of A New Bornean Genus of Gecarcinucidae (Crustacea: Brachyura), with Descriptions of Five New Species. Zoological Studies. 61:13. DOI: doi.org/10.6620/ZS.2022.61-13 (05 May 2022 ) 

[Ichthyology • 2020] Trichomycterus vitalbrazili • A New Species of Trichomycterus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Rio Paraíba do Sul Basin, South-eastern Brazil

 

Trichomycterus vitalbrazili Vilardo,

in Vilardo, Katz et Costa, 2020 

 DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2020.59-53 

  Researchgate.net/publication/345681406

A phylogenetic analysis using fragments of two nuclear and two mitochondrial genes strongly supported sister group relationships between a new species and Trichomycterus albinotatus, corroborated by unique colour patterns of adult specimens and juveniles, and morphology of the autopalatine bone. The new species is distinguished from its closest congener, T. albinotatus, by details of the colouration and number of branchiostegal rays. Both the new species and T. albinotatus are endemic to the Rio Paraíba do Sul basin, in the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil, but occur in distant and disjunct areas. The new species, herein described, is endemic to the upper section of the Rio Grande drainage, a right tributary of the lower Rio Paraíba do Sul, an area situated in the Órgãos Mountain Range. Trichomycterus albinotatus is endemic to an area about 200 km across, in the upper section of the Rio Preto that drains the Itatiaia Massif. However, both species are only known from localities above 1100 m asl, suggesting that they cannot survive in ecological conditions at lower altitudes. This study indicates that efforts are necessary to provide more accurate data on the species diversity and distribution of Trichomycterus in the biologically diverse and endangered Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil.

Key words: Atlantic Forest, Biodiversity, Catfish, Molecular phylogeny, Neotropics, Systematics

Trichomycterus vitalbrazili. Brazil: Rio de Janeiro State: Nova Friburgo Municipality: Rio Paraíba do Sul basin.
(a) UFRJ 12151, 88.0 mm SL (preserved holotype), left lateral view; (b) UFRJ 12151, 88.0 mm SL (live holotype), left lateral view. Caudal-fin margin of holotype is damaged, see figure 6 for correct information of caudal morphology

Trichomycterus vitalbrazili. Brazil: Rio de Janeiro State: Nova Friburgo Municipality: Rio Paraíba do Sul basin.
(a), UFRJ 12125, 24.1 mm SL (live juvenile paratype), left lateral view; (b) UFRJ 12125, 29.1 mm SL (live juvenile paratype), left lateral view; and (c) UFRJ 12125, 29.1 mm SL (live juvenile paratype), dorsal view. Arrow indicates the midline row with white spots, which is not visible in left lateral view of figure 3b due to the light angle.

Trichomycterus vitalbrazili sp. nov. Vilardo,

Diagnosis: Trichomycterus vitalbrazili is distinguished from all other congeners except T. albinotatus by the presence of a vertical row of dark brown to black spots on the caudal peduncle end, often coalesced to form a precaudal bar in live and preserved specimens (Fig. 2A–B; vs. never a similar colour pattern); two horizontal rows of white spots on the flank in live juveniles (Fig. 3A–C; vs. never a similar colour pattern); and medial margin of the autopalatine nearly straight to slightly convex (Fig. 4A; vs. concave). Trichomycterus vitalbrazili is distinguished from T. albinotatus (Fig. 5A–B) by possessing diffuse irregularly shaped dark brown blotches on the flank in adult specimens (Fig. 2A–B; vs. well-delimited dark grey to black, sometimes coalesced in larger specimens); fins with dark brown spots in adults specimens (Fig. 2A–B; vs. without spots); and eight branchiostegal rays (vs. seven)

Etymology: The name vitalbrazili was given in honour of Vital Brazil Mineiro da Campanha (1865– 1950), an important Brazilian biomedical scientist who first discovered the polyvalent anti-ophidic serum, successfully used to treat venomous snake bites, and founded the Vital Brazil Institute, where the new species was found. 

Stream tributary to the Grande river drainage, Rio Paraiba do Sul basin, inside the advanced campus of Instituto Vital Brazil in São Lourenço road, the type locality of Trichomycterus vitalbrazili.

Paulo J. Vilardo, Axel M. Katz and Wilson J. E. M. Costa. 2020. Relationships and Description of a New Species of Trichomycterus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Rio Paraíba do Sul Basin, South-eastern Brazil. Zoological Studies. 59(53). DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2020.59-53 (2020.10.13)

  Researchgate.net/publication/345681406_a_New_Species_of_Trichomycterus_from_the_Rio_Paraiba_do_Sul_basin_Brazil

  

 

[Ichthyology • 2024] Synagrops atrumoris • A New Cryptic Species of Splitfin Fish from Taiwan with Revision of the Genus Synagrops (Acropomatiformes: Synagropidae)

Synagrops atrumoris  Mediodia & Lin, 
S. japonicus (Döderlein, 1883), 
S. bellus (Goode & Bean, 1896) 

in Mediodia, Chang, Ho, Přikryl & Lin, 2024. 

DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2024.63-20

 x.com/otolith_lin

A new species of splitfin fish, Synagrops atrumoris sp. nov., from Dongsha Island, Taiwan, South China Sea, is described based on its morphological characteristics, including osteology and otolith morphology, and DNA sequence. Synagrops atrumoris sp. nov. is closely similar to Synagrops japonicus and can be distinguished by its black mouth cavity covering the lower portion of the tongue, posteriorly enlarged and complex basioccipital fossae, and a triangular otolith with a strong postero-dorsal angle, as well as a strong genetic difference. In addition, the taxonomy of the genus Synagrops was revised. Available published data, together with our results, suggest that S. bellus is a synonym of S. japonicus.

Key words: Taxonomy, Ichthyology, Biodiversity, Otolith, Phylogenetic analyses

Synagrops atrumoris sp. nov., A–D, paratypes, fresh, A, ASIZP0081728, 159.0 mm SL; B, ASIZP0081728, 130.3 mm SL; C, ASIZP0081728, 176.8 mm SL; D, ASIZP0081728, 137.6 mm SL.
Synagrops japonicus (Döderlein, 1883), E–F, non-types, fresh, E, ASIZP0081733, 168.6 mm SL; F, ASIZP0081733, 156.5 mm SL.
Synagrops bellus (Goode and Bean, 1896) G–H, non-types, preserved, G, MCZ49930 172 mm SL; H, MCZ49930 213 mm SL. Scale bar = 10 mm

Synagrops atrumoris sp. nov. Mediodia & Lin 

English name: Dongsha Blackmouth Splitfin; 

Chinese name: 東沙黑口尖牙鱸.

Diagnosis: A species of Synagrops differs from its congeners with the following combinations of characters: black mouth cavity covering the lower portion of the tongue in larger individuals (> 100 mm SL), basioccipital fossae are posteriorly enlarged and complex, triangular otolith with a pointed anterior rim and vertical posterior rim. 

Etymology: The specific name is a combination of the Latin “atrum”, meaning black, and “oris”, meaning mouth, in relation to its diagnostic black mouth floor.

Dominique P. Mediodia, Chia-Hao Chang, Hsuan-Ching Ho, Tomáš Přikryl and Chien-Hsiang Lin. 2024. A New Cryptic Species of Splitfin Fish from Taiwan with Revision of the Genus Synagrops (Acropomatiformes: Synagropidae). Zool Stud 63:20. doi: doi.org/10.6620/ZS.2024.63-20 x.com/otolith_lin

  zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/63/63-20.html

 x.com/otolith_lin/status/1810974920295469436

[Mollusca • 2024] Durgella pentata & D. nulla • Unveiling the Diversity of the Semislug Gnus Durgella Blanford, 1863 (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae) from Thailand and Myanmar, with Description of Two New Species

Durgella pentata Pholyotha & Panha, sp. nov.
Durgella nulla Pholyotha & Panha, sp. nov.

in Pholyotha, Sutcharit, Lwin et Somsak, 2024.

 DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2024.63-14 

  facebook.com/ASRUChula

 

Durgella is a terrestrial semislug genus in the family Helicarionidae and currently comprises nine species recorded from Thailand and Myanmar. Two species, D. concinna and D. rhaphiellus, have been described based only on shell information, while the taxonomy of the remaining seven species is comprehensively treated herein using comparative morphology. Revised species descriptions are given for D. levicula, D. erratica, D. siamensis, and D. libas; D. birmanica (previously placed in the Megaustenia) is moved to this genus; and two species, D. pentata Pholyotha & Panha, sp. nov. and D. nulla Pholyotha & Panha, sp. nov., are described as new to science. Based on our findings, the combination of shell characters including shape, size, aperture, and umbilicus; the number of mantle extensions; and the genitalia, especially the penis, epiphallus, and dart apparatus, can be used to distinguish these nine species. Among these ninerecognised species, only D. nulla Pholyotha & Panha, sp. nov. has no dart apparatus.

Key words: Comparative morphology, Durgellinae, Indochina, Land snail, Systematics, Taxonomic revision

 

TAXONOMY

Superfamily Helicarionoidea Bourguignat, 1877

Family Helicarionidae Bourguignat, 1877

Subfamily Durgellinae Godwin-Austen, 1888

Genus Durgella Blanford, 1863

Durgella birmanica (Pfeiffer, 1847)

Durgella levicula (Benson, 1859) 

Durgella erratica (Godwin-Austen, 1888) 

Durgella concinna Blanford & Godwin-Austen, 1908

Durgella rhaphiellus (Martens, 1867)

Durgella siamensis Möllendorff, 1902 

Durgella libas Solem, 1966 

Durgella pentata Pholyotha & Panha, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Shell depressedly subglobose, thin, polished, dark yellow with a creamy tinge, and aperture roundly lunate, broader than high; animal with five mantle extensions; genitalia with very short vagina, small epiphallic caecum, short gametolytic duct, and very large dart apparatus.

Etymology: The specific name “pentata” is from the Greek word meaning five, referring to the presence of five mantle extensions. 

Durgella nulla Pholyotha & Panha, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Shell depressedly subglobose, membranous, polished, dark yellowish with olive tinge; animal with two different colours: upper body dark brown or blackish and from lower body to foot margin creamy; four mantle extensions; genitalia with very large penis, short gametolytic duct, and without dart apparatus.

Etymology: The specific name “nulla” is from the Latin adjective meaning not any, none, nobody, or no, and refers to the absence of dart apparatus. 

Arthit Pholyotha, Chirasak Sutcharit, Ngwe Lwin and Panha Somsak. 2024. Unveiling the Diversity of the Semislug Gnus Durgella Blanford, 1863 (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae) from Thailand and Myanmar, with Description of Two New Species. Zool Stud. 63:14. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2024.63-14.

หอยหางดิ้น สกุล 𝐷𝑢𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 ชนิดใหม่ของโลก 2 ชนิดจากประเทศไทยและเมียนมาร์ คือ

1. 𝐷𝑢𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑎 Pholyotha & Panha, 2024 

หอยหางดิ้นเชียงดาว ค้นพบที่ อ.เชียงดาว จ.เชียงใหม่

2. 𝐷𝑢𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑛𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑎 Pholyotha & Panha, 2024 

หอยหางดิ้นอีสาน ค้นพบที่ จ.เลยและหนองบังลำภู

  facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/872035791607818

 

[Crustacea • 2024] Parapleurocrypta duofratres • A New Species of Parapleurocrypta Chopra, 1923 (Isopoda: Epicaridea: Bopyridae) Parasitizing Shrimps of the Genus Synalpheus (Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil

Parapleurocrypta duofratres sp. nov.,
female [A] holotype (MZUSP #44176) and male [D] allotype (MZUSP #44177),
and host [D] Synalpheus herricki Coutière, 1909 (DZ/UFRGS #7079).

Horch, Williams & Terossi, 2024

 zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/63/63-13.html 

 x.com/JasonDWilliams 

A new species of Parapleurocrypta Chopra, 1923, a parasitic isopod genus of the family Bopyridae found parasitizing two species of the snapping-shrimp genus Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888, is described from Brazil. This is the first record of Parapleurocrypta in the Atlantic Ocean, and the first species of bopyrid parasite recorded from the Fernando de Noronha archipelago in northeastern Brazil. Females of Parapleurocrypta duofratres sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other two species of the genus, P. alphei Chopra, 1923 and P. digitata Bourdon, 1976, by the structure of the barbula, the reduced pleopods, the number of dorsolateral bosses, the absence of the frontal lamina (present in P. digitata), and pleomeres with lateral plates (vs. lateral plates absent in P. digitata). Males can be distinguished from those of P. alphei by the number of antennal articles. Variation in the specimens is discussed and ecological and reproductive data are provided. To accommodate the new features of P. duofratres sp. nov., the diagnosis of the genus is expanded. A review of the branchial bopyrids of Synalpheus is included, as well as a discussion of parasitism by members of Parapleurocrypta.

Key words: Atlantic Ocean, Bopyrinae, Bopyroidea, Parasitism, Taxonomy

Parapleurocrypta duofratres sp. nov., female holotype (MZUSP #44176) and male allotype (MZUSP #44177), and host Synalpheus herricki Coutière, 1909 (DZ/UFRGS #7079).
A, Female parasite habitus, dorsal view; B, Female parasite habitus, ventral view (with four eggs remaining in brood chamber); C, Host shrimp lateral view, arrow shows parasite in branchial chamber; D, Male parasite habitus, dorsal view. Scale bars: A–B = 0.5 mm; C = 0.5 cm; D = 0.3 mm.

Parapleurocrypta duofratres sp. nov.

Amanda P. Horch, Jason D. Williams and Mariana Terossi. 2024. A New Species of Parapleurocrypta Chopra, 1923 (Isopoda, Epicaridea, Bopyridae) Parasitizing Shrimps of the Genus Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888 (Decapoda, Caridea, Alpheidae) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. Zool Stud. 63:13. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2024.63-13

  zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/63/63-13.html

  x.com/JasonDWilliams/status/1800590089338450124

[Crustacea • 2018] Helice epicure • A New Species of Varunid Mud Crab (Brachyura: Decapoda: Grapsoidea: Varunidae) from the Ryukyus, Japan

Helice epicure 

Ng, Naruse & Shih, 2018

  Researchgate.net/publication/324419827 

Helice epicure, a new species of varunid crab, is described from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. The new species in the genus Helice De Haan, 1833 can be distinguished from its congeners by morphological differences in the chelae and suborbital crenulation. The morphological differences between the new species and a sister clade (the H. latimera complex, including H. latimera Parisi, 1918, H. tientsinensis Rathbun, 1931 and H. formosensis Rathbun, 1931) are supported by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) divergences. However, the phylogenetic relationship within the H. latimera complex is unresolved for the time being.

Key words: Helice epicure, H. formosensis, New species, Varunidae, Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I.

  Helice epicure sp. nov. Paratype, male (26.4 × 30.1 mm) (RUMF-ZC-3069).
(A) dorsal entire view; (B) cephalothorax, ventral view; (C) right chela, outer view.

Helice epicure, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species name ‘epicure’ is used here as a Latin noun, derived from ‘epikouros’, a noun in Greek for ‘food lover’ or a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink; this alludes to the late Professor Michael Türkay, a food connoisseur, who strongly believed in eating well and working hard. ‘Epikouros’ in Latin is ‘Epicurus’, also the name of a famous ancient Greek philosopher, whose insistence that nothing should be believed except that which was tested through direct observation and logical deduction made him a key figure in the development of science and scientific methodology. 

Distribution: The new species is found in central to southern Ryukyus, including the islands of Amami-Ohshima, Okinawa, Kumejima, Ishigaki and Iriomote. Authors who recorded Helice from the Ryukyu Islands are almost certainly referring to the new species instead (Table 1), although we were not able to examine their material. Our sampling covered most of the Ryukyu Islands (from Amami to Iriomote), and all the specimens belong to the new species. Paratypes are designated to the specimens collected from Yaeyama Islands (including the islands of Ishigaki and Iriomote), as the other main localities, including the islands of Okinawa and Amami, are located relatively far from the type locality (> 300 km).

Ngan Kee Ng, Tohru Naruse and Hsi-Te Shih. 2018. Helice epicure, A New Species of Varunid Mud Crab (Brachyura, Decapoda, Grapsoidea) from the Ryukyus, Japan. Zool Stud. 57:15. doi:10.6620/ZS.2018.57-15

http://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/57/57-12.pdf

Researchgate.net/publication/324419827_Helice_epicure_A_New_Species_from_the_Ryukyus_Japan

[Cnidaria • 2023] Macrodactyla fautinae • Taxonomy and Molecular Phylogeny of the Sea Anemone Macrodactyla (Haddon, 1898) (Hexacorallia: Actiniaria), with A Description of A New Species from Singapore

Macrodactyla fautinae Yap, Mitchell, Quek & Huang, 

in Yap, Mitchell, Quek, Tan, Tan et Huang, 2023.

  zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/62/62-29.html 

  twitter.com/NUSReef

Sea anemones (Cnidaria, Actiniaria) are a successful group of marine invertebrates found in a diverse range of environments globally. In spite of their ubiquity, identities for many sea anemones remain unverified, especially those from the Indo-West Pacific region. Here, we clarify the taxonomy of the poorly known Macrodactyla aspera, a shallow-water species first described from the Torres Straits in northern Australia. We re-describe M. aspera based on new morphological and molecular data gathered from the type specimen, other museum vouchers, and from fresh material collected from Singapore. We tested the monophyly of Macrodactyla using three mitochondrial (12S, 16S and cox3) and one nuclear (28S) marker based on three congeners, recovering this genus to be polyphyletic. As a consequence, we transferred M. doreensis to the genus Heteractis, and describe a new species, Macrodactyla fautinae sp. nov. While both M. aspera and M. fautinae sp. nov. share the same arrangement and number of complete mesenteries, a similar distribution of cnidae, and are not symbiotically associated with any other biota, M. fautinae sp. nov. has perforated, lobe-like verrucae on its column, and lacks nematocyst batteries on its tentacles, unlike M. aspera. These two species also occur in similar habitats in Singapore. Finally, because M. aspera strongly resembles Dofleinia armata, the latter species flagged as a danger to public health due to its ability to inflict painful stings, we tested the relationship between these species and found them not to be closely related. However, tentacles of M. aspera, like D. armata, are densely covered with nematocyst batteries and harbour large nematocysts; we infer that M. aspera may also be capable of delivering stings that endanger public health. This study builds upon a growing number of studies that aim to ascertain identities and systematics of sea anemones historically reported from the Indo-West Pacific. Our findings will facilitate accurate species identification, which is crucial for advancing research, formulating conservation measures, and protecting public health.

Key words: Actinioidea, Anthozoa, Intertidal, Integrative taxonomy, Southeast Asia.

Living individuals of Macrodactyla fautinae sp. nov., external morphology, in situ, top view.
A, an expanded individual with a pale oral disc. B, another expanded colour morph with a dark-brown oral disc. Note that in both A and B, a pair of diametric bright pink dots marks the position of the siphonoglyphs. C, a contracted individual with adhesive, papillae-like verrucae at its distal end. Note that shell fragments are attached to the verrucae. D, an individual with much of its actinopharynx everted, obscuring the animal.
 E, a sea pen (Pteroeides sp.) being swallowed whole by a M. fautinae sp. nov. individual.

Abbreviation: s, siphonoglyph; v, verrucae. Photographs by R Tan.

Macrodactyla fautinae, sp. nov. Yap, Mitchell, Quek, and Huang

Natural history: Occurs as solitary individuals, at the middle intertidal in soft silty, sandy areas, and also found in seagrass meadows (Fig. 8A– E). Animal partially buried in substratum, distal end of animal exposed during the low tides, with small shell pieces, sand and/or rocks adhering to verrucae (Fig. 8C). Oral disc and tentacles typically expanded, with actinopharynx often everted and inflated outwards, in many instances obscuring the animal (Fig. 8D). This species has also been observed to swallow its prey whole (Fig. 8E). When disturbed, animal does not retract completely, tips of tentacles remaining partially exposed (Fig. 8C). In the process of contraction, water may also be expelled from verrucae-like structures, akin to a watering can.

Etymology: The name Macrodactyla fautinae sp. nov. honours the late Emeritus Professor Daphne Gail Fautin. Throughout her career, she had worked tirelessly to advance the knowledge of sea anemones.  

 

CONCLUSIONS: 

In this study, morphological and molecular evidence were integrated to re-diagnose the genus Macrodactyla and redescribe M. aspera. Furthermore, we provided historical, nomenclatural evidence to support the continued usage of the genus name. Since its first description by Haddon and Shackleton (1893), there have been very few published accounts of M. aspera, despite its wide geographical range across the Indo-West Pacific. The reason for this, we suspect, is that this species may have been misidentified as D. armata, due to its strong superficial resemblance. Museum vouchers we have examined support this assertion; some were indeed misidentified as D. armata. Herein, we provided molecular evidence to demonstrate that these two species are distantly related. 

Findings from this study add to a growing number of sea anemone species recorded from Singapore. Previous studies have already documented 37 species to occur on the shores and islands of this city-state (e.g., England 1987; Fautin et al. 2009; Yap et al. 2021). Affirming the identities of these sea anemones primes new avenues where more Indo-West Pacific species may be included in future research.

Nicholas Wei Liang Yap, Michela Lee Mitchell, Zheng Bin Randolph Quek, Ria Tan, Koh Siang Tan and Danwei Huang. 2023. Taxonomy and Molecular Phylogeny of the Sea Anemone Macrodactyla (Haddon, 1898) (Cnidaria, Actiniaria), with a Description of A New Species from Singapore. Zool Stud. 62:29. DOI:10.6620/ZS.2023.62-29 

   zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/62/62-29.html

   twitter.com/NUSReef/status/1678640332039233537

[Cnidaria • 2023] Tripedalia maipoensis • A New Species of Box Jellyfish (Tripedaliidae: Tripedalia) from Hong Kong, China

Tripedalia maipoensis 

Sun, Tsui, Wong, Cheung, Ng, Or et Qiu, 2023

 DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2023.62-17

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We describe a box jellyfish, Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov., based on samples collected from a shrimp pond in Hong Kong. This new species is morphologically distinct from other species of the family Tripedaliidae by the following combination of characters: (1) three pedalia at each bell corner; (2) each pedalium with one tentacle; and (3) velarium with forked canals. Phylogenetic analyses based on a concatenated dataset of the 16S, 18S and 28S rRNA genes show that T. maipoensis sp. nov. is sister to the morphologically similar species T. cystophora, but the two species exhibit 17.4% divergence in the 16S rRNA gene, supporting T. maipoensis sp. nov. as a distinct species. This new species represents the fourth described species of Tripedaliidae, and the first record of the family in Chinese coastal waters.

Key words: Box jellyfish, Tripedalia, Morphology, Phylogeny, Hong Kong

Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic position of Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov.
(A–B) holotype (TMBC030991), female, living specimen, lateral view showing the gross morphology (A), and oblique top view showing gastric phacellus (B); (C) Rhopalial niche, preserved specimen, paratype (TMBC030992); (D) Rhopalium, showing six eyes and a statolith; (E) Upside down view of the bell showing the velarial canals, preserved specimen, paratype (TMBC030992), male; (F) details of the velarial canals, preserved specimen, holotype (TMBC030991), female; (G) oblique top view, showing nematocyst warts and gastric phacellus, living specimen, paratype TMBC030992; (H) manubrium, preserved, paratype (TMBC030997); (I) Nematocyst batteries from tentacle, paratype (TMBC030997).

Scale bars: A–B = 1 cm; C, F, H = 1 mm; D = 0.3 mm; E, G = 5 mm; I = 10 µm.

 Abbreviations: cs, crystalline statolith; g, gonad; gp, gastric phacellae; le, lower lens eye; nw, nematocyst wart; pe, pit eye; rn, rhopalial niche; se, slit eye; ue, upper lens eye; vc, velarial canal.

Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Medusa with three pedalia per bell corner, each pedalium with one tentacle, velarium with forked canals.

Etymology: maipoensis is the Latinized form of the type locality Mai Po. 

Habitat and morphology of Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov.
A, A brackish water shrimp pond in Mai Po where the samples were collected. B, Sampling using a plankton net from the shrimp pond.
C–D, Paratype TMBC030992, living specimen, lateral view, male. E, Paratype TMBC030992, fixed in formalin and later transferred to ethanol for preservation. F, Paratype TMBC030992, preserved, showing gastric phacellae, bottom up view. G–H, Juveniles, living specimens.

 Scale bars: C–E = 1 cm; F–H = 1 mm. Abbreviation: g, gonad; m, manubrium.

CONCLUSIONS: 

 In this study, we reported the new species Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov. collected from an intertidal shrimp pond in the Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong. Although the box jellyfish family Tripedaliidae has been widely reported from tropical and subtropical waters, this is the first record of it in Chinese coastal waters. We described the species with both morphological and molecular data. Future investigations along Chinese coasts are warranted to improve our understanding of the distribution of this new species and the diversity of Cubozoa.

 

Yanan Sun, Justin Hon Yin Tsui, Rachel Ting Huen Wong, Ringo Nga Ching Cheung, Murphy Kam Pui Ng, Carmen K.M. Or and Jian-Wen Qiu. 2023. A New Species of Box Jellyfish (Cnidaria: Tripedaliidae: Tripedalia) from Hong Kong, China.  Zool Stud. 62:17. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2023.62-17

 twitter.com/ZooStudies/status/1641828691897647106

https://phys.org/news/2023-04-team-jellyfish-species-hong-kong.html

[Ichthyology • 2023] Terelabrus toretore • A New Species of Striped Hogfish (Perciformes: Labridae) from Tahiti, with Range Extensions for Two Congeners

Terelabrus toretore

 Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Siu & Rocha, 2023

 

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw

  twitter.com/SteinhartBart

A new labrid fish, Terelabrus toretore sp. nov., the fifth species within the genus, is herein described from two specimens collected at a depth of 140 m from a mesophotic coral ecosystem in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. is characterized by having 43–44 scaled rows in longitudinal series; 42 pored lateral-line scales; 5+10 gill rakers; 10 scale rows below the lateral line; 8 posterior branches on the main supratemporal sensory canal; a relatively long snout (snout length 9.6–9.7% SL), and a coloration consisting of a yellow caudal fin and a wide, red, mid-lateral stripe with no blotching, the space above which is white anteriorly, becoming predominantly yellow from beneath the dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. In addition to describing this new species, we document the first record of Terelabrus rubrovittatus from the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the first record of Terelabrus zonalis from Australia, along with the first description of its coloration. We present a molecular phylogeny of the genus based upon mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA sequences.

Key words: Biogeography, Ichthyology, Mesophotic coral ecosystems, Taxonomy, Teleostei

Underwater photograph of Terelabrus toretore (specimen not collected):
 Tahiti at 125 m depth,

photo by L.A. Rocha 

Terelabrus toretore sp. nov.
Underwater photograph (specimen not collected): Tahiti at 125 m depth;
Coloration of freshly dead paratype CASICH 247319 (SL 44.3 mm).

Terelabrus toretore Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Siu and Rocha sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other four members of the genus by the following characters: 43–44 scaled rows in longitudinal series; 42 pored lateral-line scales; 5 + 10 gill rakers; 10 scale rows below lateral line; a relatively long snout (snout length 9.6–9.7% SL); 8 posterior branches on the main supratemporal sensory canal, and a coloration consisting of a yellow caudal fin, and a wide, red, mid-lateral stripe with no blotching, the space above which is white anteriorly, becoming yellow from beneath the dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. 

Etymology: The species name, toretore, is the Tahitian word for striped and is used in reference to the body color pattern. To be used as a noun in apposition. 

 Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tyler A. Y. Phelps, Gilles Siu and Luiz A. Rocha. 2023. Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. (Perciformes: Labridae), A New Species of Striped Hogfish from Tahiti, with Range Extensions for Two Congeners. Zool Stud. 62:08. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2023.62-08.

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/62/62-08.html

  twitter.com/SteinhartBart/status/1642188481282867205

[Crustacea • 2023] Tuerkayana latens • A New Species of Land Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae) from French Polynesia, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny of the Genus

Tuerkayana latens  

 Ng & Shih, 2023 

  zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw 

 twitter.com/ZooStudies

The taxonomy of the gecarcinid land crab Tuerkayana rotundum (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) is revised. The taxon, the type species of the genus, occurs from the western Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, and varies substantially in colour and various morphological features, but the male first gonopod structure is constant and the extensive genetic data from mitochondrial 16S rDNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and control region markers confirms the recognition of one wide-ranging species. Specimens from Tuamotu in French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island, however, differ in having a smoother and slightly more swollen carapace, and significantly, the male first gonopod structure is distinctly different. The genetic data also supports their differentiation. As such, this material is here recognised as a new species, Tuerkayana latens n. sp.

Key words: Land crabs, Gecarcinidae, Tuerkayana latens, New species, Systematics, phylogeny, 16S rDNA, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, Control region, South Pacific, Tuamotu Islands, Pitcaim Islands.

Tuerkayana latens n. sp., holotype male (52.8 × 42.7 mm) (MNHN-IU-2011-5594), French Polynesia

Tuerkayana latens n. sp.

Diagnosis: Frontal region covered with small granules; epigastric, epibranchial and anterior part of mesobranchial regions with scattered low granules and low striae, surface appears relatively smoother; mesogastric, metagastric regions smooth; posterior part of meso-, metabranchial regions with few oblique striae and granules; epigastric regions prominent, margin relatively sharp; postorbital cristae strong, separated from epigastric by shallow concavity; external orbital tooth broadly triangular, margin confluent with anterolateral margin, separated by small cleft (Figs. 3A, B, 7D). Merus of third maxilliped subovate, as long as wide (Fig. 7C). Surfaces of adult chelae with low granules on margins, punctate to rugose (Fig. 9D). Ambulatory legs short; ratios of maximum length to maximum width of third and fourth ambulatory meri 2.5, 2.4, respectively; surfaces covered with striae, appears rugose; dorsal margin of merus rugose, uneven; lateral margins of propodus, dactylus lined with strong, stiff spines or setae (Figs. 3A, 10D, H). Male pleon relatively broad; somite 6 wider than long, lateral margins strongly convex (Figs. 8G). Adult G1 almost straight, when viewed from ventral perspective; distal part curved at angle of about 45° from vertical; distal part of outer margin forming gentle shelf–like structure; base of the distal part not obviously tapering, with outer margin gently curving to meet truncate tip in dorsomesial view, in ventral view, outer margin almost straight, with flange wide, distinctly developed (Fig. 11D, G, L).

Etymology: The species name is from the Latin word “latens”, for hidden and concealed; alluding to how the taxon has eluded formal discovery until now. 

Colours in life of Tuerkayana rotundum (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824).
A, male (47.8 × 37.8 mm) (ZRC 2008.506), Panglao Philippines; B, male (37.6 × 29.0 mm) (ZRC 2012.103), Vanuatu;
C, male (37.0 × 28.4 mm) (ZRC 2012.103), Vanuatu; D, male, New Caledonia (specimen not collected);
E, male (57.6 × 44.5 mm) (ZRC 2013.1074), North Keeling Island, Cocos-Keeling Islands; F, male, Blowholes, Christmas Island (specimen not collected).

Peter K. L. Ng and Hsi-Te Shih. 2023. Tuerkayana latens, A New Species of Land Crab from French Polynesia, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny of the Genus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae). Zool Stud. 62:10. DOI:10.6620/ZS.2023.62-10. zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/62/62-10.html

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