[Paleontology • 2026] Heterocarinella japonica • A New ammonoid Genus (Ammonoidea: Turrilitidae) from the late Cretaceous in the Northwestern Pacific Realm

 

Heterocarinella japonica

Aiba, 2026 

 

「ヘテロカリネラ・ジャポニカ」DOI: doi.org/10.2517/prpsj.260014

  fukadaken.or.jp 

 Abstract  

A new genus and species of the family Turrilitidae, Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Santonian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Haboro and Kotanbetsu areas in Hokkaido, northern Japan. This taxon is characterized by a persistently turriconic shell, a siphuncle positioned near the upper edge of the flank, and a vertically asymmetrical keel at or below the middle flank of the whorls. Notably, the keel differentiates Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. from all other genera belonging to the Turrilitidae. The family Turrilitidae has previously been considered to range from the middle Albian to the late Cenomanian. However, the occurrence of Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. demonstrates that this family survived until at least the Santonian. In addition, Tridenticeras from the Turonian to Coniacian of Europe, which is often assigned to the Nostoceratidae, is here re-evaluated as more appropriately belonging to the Turrilitidae. The previous misclassification likely resulted from limited knowledge of the position of the siphuncle, an internal structure, and from the tendency to prioritise stratigraphic consistency over morphological characters in taxonomic assignments. The discovery of Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. suggests that the Turrilitidae survived the Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE-2) while progressively narrowing their palaeogeographic range, ultimately contracting only in the northwestern Pacific realm.

KEYWORDS: ammonoid, Heterocarinella, Northwestern Pacific realm, Santonian, Turrilitidae, Yezo Group

Order Ammonitida Haeckel, 1866

Suborder Ancyloceratina Wiedmann, 1966

Superfamily Turrilitoidea Gill, 1871

Family Turrilitidae Gill, 1871

Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. from the Haboro and Kotanbetsu areas, Hokkaido, northern Japan.
A–J, MCM-A1322 (holotype): A, lateral view with the aperture facing the observer; B–D, lateral views after successive 90° rotations; E, apical view; F, basal view; G, tomographic image; H, whorl section; I, suture line; J, 3D model, viewed at approximately 45° posteriorly from the orientation of D.  

 Genus Heterocarinella gen. nov.

 Type species.—Heterocarinella japonica Aiba gen. et sp. nov.  

Diagnosis.—This genus is characterised by turriconic whorls in contact with each other, each bearing a keel at or just below the middle flank, and a siphuncle located near the upper edge of the flank. The whorl cross-section is vertically asymmetrical with respect to the keel, with a gently curved upper part above the keel apex and a somewhat steeper, sharper lower part. The keel is continuous and is not interrupted by ribs, except for a double collar rib associated with a constriction that appears in the later growth stage.

Discussion.—Heterocarinella gen. nov. exhibits several features consistent with those of other turrilitid genera, including the presence of a siphuncle near the upper edge of the flank, turriconic whorls throughout ontogeny, and a double collar rib associated with a constriction appearing in the later growth stage.

Heterocarinella japonica sp. nov.

Type locality.—Float in a tributary of Machiyoizawa Creek in the Haboro area of northwestern Hokkaido, northern Japan.

Daisuke Aiba. 2026. Heterocarinella, a New Ammonoid Genus: Turrilitidae Survived into the Santonian (Late Cretaceous) in the Northwestern Pacific Realm. Paleontological Research. 30(1); 164-173. DOI: doi.org/10.2517/prpsj.260014  (29 August 2026) 

  Daisuke AIBA (相場 大佑；深田地質研究所). 2026. Heterocarinella, a new ammonoid genus: Turrilitidae survived into the Santonian (Late Cretaceous) in the north-western Pacific realm [新属アンモナイト類Heterocarinella：北西太平洋地域ではツリリテス科はサントニアン期（白亜紀後期）まで生き残っていた]. Paleontological Research. vol.30, p.164-173. DOI: doi.org/10.2517/prpsj.260014 [2026年8月29日]

【プレスリリース】北海道で中生代白亜紀の新属新種アンモナイトを発見 Heterocarinella japonica (ヘテロカリネラ・ジャポニカ) と命名（10/14更新 https://fukadaken.or.jp/?p=9866

[Phycology • 2026] Halymenia dracophylla & H. elegans (Rhodophyta: Halymeniales) • Systematic Revision of branched Halymenia from the Philippines

Halymenia elegans Tahil & Showe M.Lin, 

in Tahil, Lin, Dumilag et Liao, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/09670262.2026.2738911 

 facebook.com/ArkadyTahil

ABSTRACT

Despite early documentation of Halymenia species in the Philippines, the species diversity and phylogenetic relationships of this genus in the region, and its connections to neighbouring areas, have remained largely unexplored. In this study, we used rbcL sequence data to infer interspecific relationships among Philippine and global Halymenia species. Molecular analyses identified at least nine Halymenia species in the Philippines, including two newly described taxa – H. dracophylla sp. nov. and H. elegans sp. nov. – alongside several species commonly found throughout the IndoPacific (e.g. H. durvillei, H. tondoana, H. malaysiana, H. maculata, H. dilatata). Phylogenetic analysis showed that H. dracophylla is a sister species to the H. durvillei complex, but it can be readily distinguished by its thallus bearing numerous strap-shaped, short bladelets and having relatively large carposporophytes (260−380 µm in diameter). Conversely, H. elegans forms a lineage sister to a larger clade of branched Indo-Pacific species and differs from the other species by possessing thin, membranous thallus blades and having smaller carposporophytes (100−115 µm in diameter). The discovery of these two new species, along with the identification of additional cryptic taxa through molecular analyses, reveals that Halymenia diversity in the Philippines is greater than previously recognized. These findings highlight the need for continued investigation into the taxonomy and biogeography of Halymenia in the Indo-Pacific region.

 KEYWORDS: Cryptic species, Halymenia dracophylla sp. nov., Halymenia elegans sp. nov., marine red algae, Philippines, taxonomy

Halymenia dracophylla Tahil & Showe M.Lin sp. nov. 
Fig. 2. Holotype specimen (NTOU002614), a female gametophyte showing densely overlapping bladelets along the thallus margins.
Fig. 3. Isotype specimen (NTOU002618), a tetrasporophyte showing a deeply branched thallus blade arising from a short stipe (arrow).

Scale bars: Figs 2, 3 = 5 cm.

Halymenia dracophylla Tahil & Showe M.Lin, sp. nov.  

ETYMOLOGY: ‘dracophylla’ refers to the thallus blades swinging underwater, resembling flying dragons.

DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT AND SEASONALITY: Only known from the province of Sorsogon in southern Luzon. Plants were found during the late dry season (May) in the Philippines, in deeper subtidal areas (6–8 m in depth), growing on coral rubble and rocks. The fringing reef habitat is characterized by strong water currents and pronounced tidal waves.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Luzon Island: FMB Resort, Sorsogon, coll. J. Dig & C. Pangantihon 7 May 2024 (tetrasporic and female, NTOU-002614–002616).

Halymenia elegans Tahil & Showe M.Lin sp. nov. 
 Fig. 20. Holotype specimen (NTOU002610), a female gametophyte showing a palmate-shaped blade (white arrow) and feathery branches bearing numerous small bladelets (black arrows) with dentate margins.
Fig. 21. Isotype specimen (NTOU002611), a tetrasporophyte showing broad blades bearing irregularly arranged marginal bladelets (black arrows) and surface tiny bladelets (white arrowheads).  

Scale bars: Figs 20, 21 = 5 cm.

Halymenia elegans Tahil & Showe M.Lin sp. nov. 

ETYMOLOGY: ‘elegans’ referring to its showy and beautiful thallus blades.

DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT AND SEASONALITY: Only known from the type locality. Plants were found during the early dry season (January) in the Philippines, growing on shaded rocks in the reef adjacent to an estuary and extensive mangrove area on the island of Sanga-Sanga.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Sanga-Sanga Island, Tawi-Tawi: Lakit-Lakit, coll. A. Tahil, 28 January 2024 (tetrasporic & female, NTOU002610–002613).

Arkady A. Tahil, Showe-Mei Lin, Richard V. Dumilag and Lawrence M. Liao. 2026. Systematic Revision of branched Halymenia (Halymeniales, Rhodophyta) from the Philippines, including the Description of H. dracophylla sp. nov. and H. elegans sp. nov. European Journal of Phycology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/09670262.2026.2738911 [22 Oct 2026]

 facebook.com/ArkadyTahil/posts/1632008041710139

 facebook.com/ArkadyTahil/posts/1633086811602262

[Invertebrate • 2026] Polycapus rubrum, Stelletta plana, ... • Four New Demosponges from Alaska and the Designation of A New Genus in Hymedesmiidae (Heteroscleromorpha, Poecilosclerida)

 

Stelletta plana sp. nov.

Polycapus rubrum gen. nov. & sp. nov.

Lehnert, Rooney & Everett, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.6 

www.fisheries.NOAA.gov 

 

Abstract

An investigation of Alaska’s extraordinarily rich sponge fauna was conducted utilizing samples retained as bycatch during National Marine Fisheries Service stock assessment bottom trawl surveys in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands between 1997 and 2021. Subsequent analysis of the samples revealed four new species, which are representatives of four different orders of demosponges: Cladocroce cylindrica sp. nov., Julavis borealis sp. nov., Polycapus rubrum gen. nov. & sp. nov., and Stelletta plana sp. nov.. The new species are described and compared to congeners. Polycapus rubrum was assigned to the Hymedesmiidae but the combination of acanthoxeas and chelae does not occur in any other existing genus within the family which necessitates a new genus. These new collections further highlight the richness of the sponge fauna from the region.

Porifera, new species, North Pacific, Aleutian Islands, Gulf of Alaska, Tetractinellida, Axinellida, Haplosclerida, Stelletta, Polycapus, Julavis, Cladocroce, 28S

Cladocroce cylindrica, is a stalked, branching sponge distinguished by a unique spicule framework that forms a complex, web-like network. 

Julavis borealis, grows like a thin mat over organisms. Its presence in Alaska represents a massive high-latitude geographic leap for a group previously found only in warm, tropical environments. 

Cladocroce cylindrica sp. nov.  

Julavis borealis sp. nov.  

Polycapus rubrum gen. nov. & sp. nov. 

Stelletta plana sp. nov.

Helmut LEHNERT, Sean C. ROONEY and Meredith V. EVERETT. 2026. Four New Demosponges from Alaska and the Designation of A New Genus in Hymedesmiidae (Heteroscleromorpha, Poecilosclerida).  Zootaxa. 5857(2); 317-334. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.6 [2026-07-29]

Nine Species of Deep-Sea Sponges Discovered in Alaska

www.fisheries.NOAA.gov/feature-story/nine-species-deep-sea-sponges-discovered-alaska

[Crustacea • 2026] Bogidiella isajii & B. painushima • Two New Species of the Genus Bogidiella (Amphipoda: Bogidiellidae) from Japan

Bogidiella painushima 

Tomikawa, Yoshimura, Ugomeki & Shimomura, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5831.3.5  

 www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Abstract

Two new species of bogidiellid amphipods, Bogidiella isajii and B. painushima are described from an anchialine undersea cave in Minamidaito Island and freshwater flowing through a cave in Ishigaki Island, Ryukyu Islands. Bogidiella isajii sp. nov. differs from its congeners in the absence of an inner ramus on the pleopods, armature of uropods 1 and 2 rami, and shape of the telson. Bogidiella painushima sp. nov. is morphologically similar to B. aprutina and B. broodbakkeri, but differs from these two species in the shape of antennal sinus of the head, size of antenna 2 peduncular article 2 gland cone, armature of the accessory setal row of the mandible, shape of gnathopod 1 propodus and pereopod 7 coxa, and armature of the telson. Nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I from paratypes of the two new species were determined for future studies.

Crustacea, brackish, COI, freshwater, Okinawa, taxonomy

Bogidiella painushima sp. nov. 

 

KO TOMIKAWA, HIRO YOSHIMURA, MUSHI UGOMEKI and MICHITAKA SHIMOMURA. 2026. Two New Species of the Genus Bogidiella (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Bogidiellidae) from Japan.  Zootaxa. 5831(3); 399-412. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5831.3.5 [2026-06-16]  

Two eyeless shrimp-like species found in Japan’s groundwater are new to science

Finding new species in unassuming settings brings light to further exploration and conservation efforts to preserve the unique diversity in groundwater environments

https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en/news/99063

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1140243

[Mollusca • 2022] Dendronotus shpataki • A New Species of the Genus Dendronotus (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) from the Sea of Japan: a contribution of citizen science to marine zoology

  

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. in natural environment.

Ekimova, Mikhlina, Antokhina & Schepetov, 2022

 

DOI: doi.org/10.31610/zsr/2022.31.1.3 

  Researchgate.net/publication/358210579

Photos by Andrey Shpatak.

Abstract

 The nudibranch genus Dendronotus Alder et Hancock, 1845 is a common component of boreal and arctic ecosystems, which has recently received a considerable attention due to its high cryptic diversity. Here we describe a new species Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. from the northwestern Sea of Japan, using the material and observations provided by Andrey Shpatak, a local citizen, diver and underwater photographer. We studied morphological features of the new species, including external morphology, coloration, jaw and radular morphology, and configuration of the reproductive system, as well as its ecological traits including possible diet preferences. We obtained DNA sequences and reconstructed the phylogeny by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood approaches using four molecular markers (mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA, and nuclear histone H3 and 28S rRNA), and tested the boundaries between the species by calculating the uncorrected p-distances and automatic species delimitation methods ABGD and GMYC. Our results show that D. shpataki sp. nov. differs both morphologically and genetically from all other Dendronotus species. The new species possibly represents a unique example of local endemism, being found in a single locality, while other local Dendronotus species demonstrate wide distribution in the North-West Pacific. We also report on a considerable wearing of the radular teeth during feeding, which is a remarkable case for the Dendronotus.

Key words: North-West Pacific, biodiversity, morphology, radula, molecular markers, phylogeny, Nudibranchia, Dendronotidae, Dendronotus, new species

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov., general appearance of living specimens.
 Holotype: dorsal view (A), lateral view (B) and ventral view (C).
Paratypes, dorsal view: adult specimens MIMB42309 (D), MIMB42308 (E), MIMB42305 (F)
and juvenile MIMB42306 (G). 

Scale bar: 5 mm.

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. in natural environment.
 Paratype MIMB42302 (A–C); the first documented finding of the new species in May 2015,
 the specimen was not collected (D); paratypes MIMB42303 (E, F).

Photos by Andrey Shpatak.

Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov.

I.A. Ekimova, A.L. Mikhlina, T.I. Antokhina and D.M. Schepetov. 2022. A Description of Dendronotus shpataki sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) from the Sea of Japan: a contribution of citizen science to marine zoology. Zoosystematica Rossica. 31(1); 3–19. DOI: 10.31610/zsr/2022.31.1.3 

  Researchgate.net/publication/358210579_A_description_of_Dendronotus_shpataki_from_the_Sea_of_Japan

[Entomology • 2026] Caloptilia augeas & C. ceryneia • Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880)

[4-6] Caloptilia augeas
[11-13] Caloptilia ceryneia 

Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, 

in Guiguet, van Nieukerken, Giron, Gravendeel, Lopez-Vaamonde et Ohshima, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 

Abstract

New Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of micro-endemism, yet its gracillariid fauna remains poorly documented. Here, two new species of Caloptilia Hübner, 1825 (Gracillariidae) are described from Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) host plants in Parc des Grandes Fougères, New Caledonia: Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., and Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov. Both species induce leaf galls on Glochidion billardierei Baill., co-occurring on the same host species, sometimes even on the same leaf. They exhibit distinct wing patterns, but very similar male and female genitalia, and DNA barcoding supports their status as separate species. These findings provide evidence for potential within-host sympatric speciation, as documented in other gall-inducing insects. The larval biology of C. augeas and C. ceryneia reveals a unique frass disposal behaviour, whereby waste is excreted through a hole and the aperture is subsequently sealed—an adaptation not previously reported in gall-inducing Lepidoptera. Our findings double the known number of gall-inducing species in Gracillariidae, highlighting that this life history strategy may be more common than currently appreciated. We also provide new information on distribution and host plants of Caloptilia xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880), a leaf roller found on the same host plant, G. billardierei. These findings mark the first records of the subfamily Gracillariinae in New Caledonia. This study underscores the underexplored diversity of New Caledonian gracillariids and emphasises the conservation value of Parc des Grandes Fougères. Further surveys in the Indo-Pacific region may reveal additional yet undescribed Caloptilia species associated with Phyllanthaceae and help clarify the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning their diversification.

Key words: Australia, DNA barcoding, endemism, frass disposal, host plant use, sympatry, taxonomy

Habitus of adult Caloptilia augeas sp. nov. 

4. Resting posture; 5. Paratype, male RMNH.INS.25563; 6. Holotype, male, RMNH.INS.25562.
 

Habitus of adult Caloptilia ceryneia sp. nov.
11. Resting posture, holotype male, RMNH.INS.25650; 12. Paratype, female, RMNH.INS.25565; 13. Paratype, male, RMNH.INS.25564.
Scale bars: 2 mm.

Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., 

Etymology. The specific name augeas refers to the fifth Labour of Hercules in the Greek mythology. The larval behaviour of frass cleaning in the gall reminds this Labour that consisted in cleaning the stables of king Augeas (Αὐγέας). This name comes from the word “αὐγή” that designates “sun shine” and “reflection of a shiny object” in Classic Greek (Bailly 1899), referring to the bright colour of the adult wings. The epithet is to be regarded as a noun in apposition.

Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name ceryneia refers to the ancient Greek city of Ceryneia or Keryneia (Κερύνεια), the location of the Ceryneian Hind from Greek mythology, which features in the third Labour of Hercules. The moth’s striking yellow and red wing pattern evokes the golden antlers and bronze hooves of the mythical deer. Its cryptic gall-inducing behaviour also recalls the elusive nature of the Ceryneian hind, which was known for its ability to remain hidden. The epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition.

 Antoine Guiguet, Erik J. van Nieukerken, David Giron, Barbara Gravendeel, Carlos Lopez-Vaamonde, Issei Ohshima. 2026. Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880). ZooKeys. 1268: 113-137. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 [04 Feb 2026]

[Crustacea • 2026] Harcledo toyoshioae • A New Species of Giant-eyed bathypelagic eusirid Amphipod (Amphipoda: Eusiridae) from the western North Pacific

 Harcledo toyoshioae 

 Kodama, Watabe, Nakaguchi & Wakabayashi, 2026

「オオメダマヨコエビ」 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2026.2659885

Abstract

Deep-sea visual environments show extreme gradients in light intensity, driving divergence in eye morphology. In the order Amphipoda, such specializations are documented in pelagic hyperiideans, whereas deep-sea Eusiridae remain poorly known. During a bathypelagic survey in Japan, we collected a eusirid amphipod with conspicuously enlarged eyes. Integrative taxonomy, using morphology and four DNA barcoding regions, shows that it represents a new species of the monotypic genus Harcledo Barnard, 1964, described here as Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov. It is characterized by markedly enlarged eyes that cover most of the lateral head and meet across the dorsal midline, and by a distinctive maxilla 1 armature. Phylogenetic analyses place H. toyoshioae sp. nov. within Eusiridae but leave its relationships to H. curvidactyla unresolved, owing to the lack of sequence data. Comparisons with historical records suggest rapid diversification of eye size within this clade and indicate that it is unlikely to be governed by depth or pelagic–benthic mode alone. We propose that the enlarged eyes are plausibly associated with a pelagic lifestyle in dim mid-water habitats, while noting that this interpretation remains tentative. Our findings highlight visual specializations in deep-sea eusirids and the value of combining new collections, historical literature, and molecular data when reassessing deep-sea taxa.

Key words: bathypelagic, deep sea, Harcledo, Kagoshima, Tanegashima Island, visual specialization

ORDER AMPHIPODA Latreille, 1816

FAMILY EUSIRIDAE Stebbing, 1888

Harcledo Barnard, 1964

 Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov., paratype female, 18.8 mm, NSMT-Cr 33350, ethanol preserved specimen, photographs for head and pereonites 1–2: A, dorsal view; B, lateral view.

 Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov., fresh specimens, lateral view:
A, holotype ovigerous female, 21.6 mm, NSMT-Cr 33349; B, paratype female, 18.8 mm, NSMT-Cr 33350.

Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov.

DISTRIBUTION: Known only from type locality, North Pacific Ocean off Tanegashima Island, Kagoshima, Japan.

HABITAT: Bathypelagic zone (about 1200 m deep).

ETYMOLOGY: The new species is named after TRV Toyoshio Maru. The specific name is a noun in the genitive case.

Masafumi Kodama, Hiroto Watabe, Kazumitsu Nakaguchi and Kaori Wakabayashi. 2026. A New Species of Giant-eyed bathypelagic eusirid Amphipod (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Eusiridae) from the western North Pacific. Systematics and Biodiversity. 24(1); 2659885. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2026.2659885 [05 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Goniothalamus metadoxus & Uvaria chrysoflora • Two New Species of Annonaceae from Papua New Guinea

Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin;
Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin

in Ezedin. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a6

 Abstract 

Two new species of Annonaceae bearing unique or unusual morphologies are described and illustrated from Papua New Guinea. Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin, from the Papuan Peninsula, exhibits an extraordinary reduction of the outer petals resulting in an inverted floral morphology where the inner petals appear larger and more prominent. It is further distinguished by its long pedicels, inner petals bearing a densely sericeous indument giving a silvery-white sheen, and long apiculate staminal connectives that are pinkish-lavender in color. Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin, from the Sepik River basin, is unique in bearing greenish-yellow flowers, making it the first non-red flowered species of its genus from Papuasia. It most closely resembles the widespread U. concava Teijsm. & Binn. and can be further distinguished from the latter by its smaller leaves and larger flowers.

KEYWORDS: Annonaceae, Goniothalamus, New Guinea, new species, Uvaria

Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin
A, B: branch showing adaxial and abaxial laminas; C: cauliflorous inflorescence arising from excrescence on bole; D: close-up of a flower showing reflexed sepals and reduced outer petals; E: flower with one inner petal removed revealing inner chamber with pinkish-lavender colored stamens and light yellow carpels [Damas et al. SAJ1442] [Photos: S.A. James]

Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis — Goniothalamus metadoxus resembles G. caloneurus Miq. in having similar leaf shape and siZe, oblong monocarps, and nearly subequal outer and inner petal siZes but differs in its habit being a small to medium tree up to 15 m tall (vs. shrub up to c. 4 m tall), laminas being chartaceous (vs. coriaceous), secondary veins not impressed above and not prominent below (vs. impressed above, prominent below), cauliflorous fasciculate inflorescences (vs. ramiflorous and solitary), inner petals being longer than the outer (vs. outer petals longer), and the petals silvery-white (vs. yellow-orange).

Etymology — From Greek meta, altered, and doxus, appearance; in reference to the inner petals being longer than the outer petals due to pronounced reduction of the latter.

Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin
A: habit, twigs, mature and immature flowers; B: close-up of flower [Weiblen et al. GW2215] [Photos: G.D. Weiblen]

Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis — Uvaria chrysoflora resembles U. concava Teijsm. & Binn. in having subglabrous young stems and shortly pedunculate flowers with concave petals, but differs in its yellow-green petals (vs. maroon), petals not conspicuously incurved at apices (vs. strongly incurved), larger flowers measuring 35–50 mm across (vs. c. 18–30 mm), and smaller leaves measuring 10–12 × 5.5–6.5 cm (vs. c. 12–15 × 6–7 cm).

Etymology — From Greek chryso, golden, and Latin flora, flower; in reference to the yellowish-green flowers.

Zacky Ezedin. 2026. Two New Species of Annonaceae from Papua New Guinea. Candollea. 81(1); 51-55. DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a6 (17 June 2026)

[Ichthyology • 2026] Brachygobius jennie • A New bumblebee goby (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from Hengqin Island, Guangdong Province, China

Brachygobius jennie  

 Tian, Wu, Lan, Lavoué & Huang, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.184142

Abstract

A new species of bumblebee goby, Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. (Teleostei, Oxudercidae), is described based on 31 specimens collected from the Hengqin Island, Guangdong Province, China. This new species is distinguished from all other valid species of Brachygobius by its extreme small size (SL < 9 mm) and distinctive number, position, size and shape of its black bars. It possesses four complete (forming ring) or nearly complete post-cephalic, relatively narrow bars, two of which are located posterior to the base of the anal fin. The first bar behind the head extends pigmentation to the first dorsal fin but does not reach the midventral line. The second bar, chevron-shaped and located below the second dorsal fin, extends pigmentation onto that fin and ventrally reaches the midventral line and the anal fin. Cytochrome oxidase subunit I-based analyses, including six out of the eight valid species of Brachygobius, show Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. to be more than 10% genetically divergent from other species, supporting the morphological diagnosis and confirming its distinct taxonomic status. With a maximum size of less than 9 mm SL (based on observations of 106 specimens), the new species is not only the smallest species of Brachygobius, but also one of the smallest known gobioid fishes.

Key Words: Fish, Gobioidei, integrative taxonomy, new species, miniature vertebrates

Diagnostic marking pattern comparison among all species of Brachygobius having four post-cephalic black bands, the last two located posterior to the base of the anal fin. Left column: schematic drawings highlighting diagnostic marking patterns based on information from type material and original descriptions; from top to bottom: 
Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. based on its description (this study); B. aggregatus, based on a drawing of a type specimen (plate 4 in Herre 1940); B. kabiliensis, based on the drawing of the holotype (fig. 19 in Inger 1958); and B. nunus, based on the drawing of a specimen of Gobius alcockii Annandale, 1906 (fig. 1 in Annandale 1906), a junior synonym of B. nunus, and the description of B. nunus by Hamilton (1822). Red arrowheads indicate diagnostic differences. Right column: photographs of live non-type specimens illustrating the corresponding left schematic patterns (all photos from the authors).

Live photographs of four paratypes of Brachygobius jennie sp. nov., illustrating intra-specific marking pattern.

Photographed by Mr. Haocong Yang and Mr. Danyang Zhou.

Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. 

 Jiangyan Tian, Jianyong Wu, Chunliu Lan, Sébastien Lavoué and Jianrong Huang. 2026. Brachygobius jennie, A New bumblebee goby (Teleostei, Oxudercidae) from Hengqin Island, Guangdong Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(3): 853-863.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.184142 [17 Jun 2026]

[Cnidaria • 2026] Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum • A New Species of Hemicorallium (Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Coralliidae), along with a revised identification key to species of the genus

Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum

Koido, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.184620 

 

Abstract

A new precious coral species, Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum sp. nov. (Scleralcyonacea, Coralliidae), retrieved from a depth of 550 m in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, is described, and an updated identification key for the genus Hemicorallium is provided. The new species is confirmed as belonging to the genus Hemicorallium based on the presence of nonretractile but contractile autozooids with an ovate-cylindrical shape and sclerites comprising elongated rods, 6–8-radiates and double clubs, with elongated rods present exclusively in the tentacles. Moreover, the species is distinct from all its congeners in that it has orange coenenchyme and a pink axis, with autozooids distributed only on the front side of the branch, forming clusters at the branch tips. These morphological features differ from those of all previously described species of Hemicorallium, and molecular analysis of mitochondrial sequences (16S, ND1, ND2, ND3, ND6, COI, MSH, and IGR1) further corroborates the validity of this new species. This is the first report of Hemicorallium off the coast of Kochi Prefecture, Japan.

Key words: Cnidaria, deep-sea corals, precious coral, Scleralcyonacea, Western Pacific

 

Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum sp. nov. (Holotype: KBF-OA-00436).
 A. ‘‘Front’’ and ‘‘back’’ of colony; B. Branch, showing autozooid (AZ); C. Exposed axis with the coenenchyme removed; D, E. Surface detail of branch, showing autozooid (AZ), siphonozooid (SZ), burrows (Bu), cluster of autozooids (CL), warts on coenenchyme surface (W), and commensal polychaete (Po).

 Scale bars: 50 mm (A); 10 mm (B–E).

Class Octocorallia Haeckel, 1866

Order Scleralcyonacea McFadden, van Ofwegen & Quattrini, 2022

Family Coralliidae Lamouroux, 1812

Genus Hemicorallium Gray, 1867

Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum sp. nov. 

 New Japanese name. Kinmokusei-mizo-sango.

Diagnosis. The colony branches in one plane, and anastomoses are present only where broken branches come into contact with other branches. Autozooids are contracted but not retracted, and they are distributed only on one side of the colony. Spacing is almost absent on the twigs, and clusters are formed at the tips. The axis has no pits beneath the autozooids and is pale pink to pink in colour. Sclerites are predominantly radiate, and double clubs are rare. Warty rods are present only in the tentacles.

 

Tatsuki Koido. 2026. A New Species of Hemicorallium (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Coralliidae), along with a revised identification key to species of the genus. ZooKeys. 1277: 339-354.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.184620 [20 Apr 2026]

[Cnidaria • 2026] Paraplexaura binyuani • A New Gorgonian (Octocorallia: Acanthogorgiidae) from the Huaguang Atoll, Xisha Islands, South China Sea

 

Paraplexaura binyuani 

You, Xia & Liu, 2026. 

斌源似丛柳珊瑚  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18030166 

Abstract

A new shallow-water gorgonian coral species in the family Acanthogorgiidae, Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov., is described from a specimen collected at Huaguang Atoll in the South China Sea at a depth of 22 m. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by abundant polyp sclerites, predominantly flattened rods, and by the coenenchyme bearing numerous large spindles reaching up to 0.6 mm in length, which are approximately two to three times longer than those reported for most described species of Paraplexaura. Phylogenomic analyses based on ultraconserved elements (UCEs) recover Paraplexaura as monophyletic and place P. binyuani sp. nov. as sister to P. cryptotheca, consistent with its morphological distinctiveness and supporting its recognition as a separate species.

Keywords: Malacalcyonacea; shallow-water coral; taxonomy; morphology; ultraconserved elements

 The external morphology and polyps of Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov. Holotype, GXTCMU-2025-HT005.
(A,C) in situ; (B) After collection; (D) Frontal view of a branch; (E) Polyps under SEM.

 Scale bars indicate 1 cm in (B), 5 mm in (D), 100 μm in (E).

Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov.

Etymology. The new species is named after Dr. Binyuan He, principal investigator of the Guangxi Academy of Oceanography, and for his great contribution to benthos research of Guangxi. The Chinese name of the new species is “斌源似丛柳珊瑚”

Distribution and habitat. Known only from the subtidal zone of the Huaguang Atoll on the Chinese coast of the South China Sea with a water depth of 22 m. Colony attached to a rocky substrate.

 

Li You, Fei Xia and Xinming Liu. 2026. A New Gorgonian Paraplexaura binyuani sp. nov. (Cnidaria, Octocorallia, Acanthogorgiidae) from the Huaguang Atoll, Xisha Islands, South China Sea. Diversity. 18(3), 166. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18030166 [9 March 2026]

[Mollusca • 2026] Microeledone galapagensis • A New Species of Microeledone (Octopoda: Incirrata) from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae

 

Microeledone galapagensis 

Voight, Smith, Buglass & Ziegler, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 

 

Abstract

The octopod fauna of the deep tropical Pacific Ocean remains poorly known, as is the octopod family Megaleledonidae Taki. A single female megaleledonid specimen collected at 1773 m depth near the equatorial Galápagos island of Darwin is named Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. This small, squat, short-armed octopod has few arm suckers and gill lamellae. Its lack of a crop diverticulum, ink sac, and anal flaps suggests that it pertains to Thaumeledone. However, its smooth skin, which dorsally is nearly free of pigment, large rachidian tooth, and large funnel organ ally it with the monotypic Microeledone. Its reverse countershading and dense pigmentation on the inner dorsal mantle musculature distinguish this species from Microeledone mangoldi Norman, Hochberg & Boucher-Rodoni, 2004a. This species belies the definition of the Megaleledonidae as large-bodied, Southern Ocean endemics, leading us to revise the family diagnosis. The short arms carrying few suckers in this genus and Thaumeledone are hypothesized to relate to heterochrony, potentially increasing energy available for reproduction and contributing to niche partitioning.

Mollusca, Thaumeledone, heterochrony, Pacific Ocean, deep sea, posterior salivary gland, ink sac, skin texture

Photos of Microeledone galapagensis sp.  nov. 
in situ (a); on recovery dorsal (b) and ventral (c) (photos by the Science Party of the NA064 cruise); in preservation dorsal (d) and ventral (e) views of entire animal. 

Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. With the characters of the genus; sheath covering inner dorsal mantle muscles heavily pigmented, internal organs lack pigment, except dots near mantle opening on mantle septum, rectum, and anus; posterior salivary glands medium, ca. 70% of buccal mass length; eyes large, slightly projecting.

Janet R. VOIGHT, Stephanie M. SMITH, Salome BUGLASS and Alexander ZIEGLER. 2026. A New Species of Microeledone from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae (Octopoda: Incirrata). Zootaxa. 5814(4); 533-549. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 [2026-05-25]