Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A new mangrove-dwelling nemertean from China

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Nemertean specimens were collected from the mangrove zone in the estuary of Jiulong Jiang River. Histological studies revealed that they belong to genus Pantinonemertes but differed from the known taxa of the genus. In the present paper they are described as a new species, Pantinonemertes fujianensis sp. nov. The immature specimens, with the body rounded anteriorly and somewhat dorso-ventrally flattened in intestinal region, measured about 85–120 mm long and 1.5–2.0 mm wide. Dark pigment is concentrated along the mid-dorsal line to form a longitudinal stripe that extends for most of the body length. The head possesses a pair of horizontal longitudinal furrows, a pair of oblique lateral furrows and four eyes. A precerebral septum is absent. The proboscis is well developed and possesses 19 large proboscis nerves. The frontal organ is a well-developed tubular structure, with the epithelium regionally differentiated. Cephalic glands are extensive, consisting of faintly stained small glands that open into the frontal organ, large blocks of clear gland and orange-staining glands (stained with Mallory triple method) that open through the ducts penetrating the body wall. The excretory system consists of numerous binucleate flame cells especially in the anterior body region, each flame cell possesses 7–9 transverse cuticular support rings. Excretory tubules either open to exterior via the efferent ducts penetrating the body wall or open into the frontal organ. Lateral nerve cords are without accessory lateral nerves.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Gibson, R., 1982. Nemerteans of Great Barrier Reef. 5. Enopla Hoplonemertea (Monostilifera). Zool. J. linn. Soc. 75: 269–276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, R., 1990. The macrobenthic nemertean fauna of Hong Kong. In Morton, B. (ed.), The Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and Southern China. Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong 1: 33–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, R., 1995. Nemertean genera and species of world: an annotated checklist of original names and description citations, synonyms, current taxonomic status, habitats and recorded zoogeographic distribution. J. nat. Hist. 29: 271–562.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, R., 1997. An annotated checklist of the nemertea recorded from the Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve, Hong Kong. In Morton, B. (ed.), The Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and Southern China. Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong. 4: 31–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, R. & J. Moore, 1976. Freshwater nemerteans. Zool. J. linn. Soc. 58: 177–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, R. & J. Moore, 1998. Further observations on the genus Geonemertes with a description of a new species from the Philippine Islands. Hydrobiologia 365: 157–171.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, R. & P. Sundberg, 1992. Three new nemerteans from Hong Kong. In Morton, B. (ed.), The Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and Southern China. Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong. 3: 97–129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, R. & Qi Sang, 1991. A new freshwater heteronemertean from the Zhujiang (Pearl River), People's Republic of China. Hydrobiologia 220: 167–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, R., J. Moore & F. B. Crandall, 1982. A new semi-terrestrial nemertean from California. J. Zool. Lond. 196: 463–474.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hickman, J. L. & J. Moore, 1990. A new species from Tasmania of the freshwater Hoplonemertean, Potamonemertes. Pap. Proc. r. Soc. Tasmania 124: 51–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirsteuer, E., 1974. Description of Poseidonemertes caribensis sp. n., and discussion of other taxa of Hoplonemertini Monostilifera with divided longitudinal musculature in the body wall. Zool. Scr. 3: 153–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, J., 1985. The distribution and evolution of terrestrial nemertines. Am. Zool. 25: 15–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, J. & R. Gibson, 1981. The Geonemertes problem (Nemertea). J. Zool. Lond. 194: 175–201.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, J. & R. Gibson, 1985. The evolution and comparative physiology of terrestrial and freshwater nemerteans. Biol. Rev. 60: 257–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roe, P., 1993. Aspects of the biology of Pantinonemertes californiensis, a high intertidal nemertean. Hydrobiologia 266: 29–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Sánchez, M., 1988. A new genus of freshwater hoplonemertean from Chile. Zool. J. linn. Soc. 94: 193–207.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mariculture Research Lab, Ocean University of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266003, China

    Sun Shichun

Authors
  1. Sun Shichun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Shichun, S. A new mangrove-dwelling nemertean from China. Hydrobiologia 456, 199–209 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013003424990

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013003424990

Search

Navigation