A new species of Parameiropsis Becker, 1974 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from the Porcupine Seabight (North-East Atlantic Ocean)

• Published in: Marine Biodiversity
• Main Authors: Corgosinho, P.H.C., Gheerardyn, H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Body size; Corers; Deep sea; Geographical distribution; Morphology; New species; Taxonomy; Harpacticoida; ANE; Porcupine Seabight; Seta; North East Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.vliz.be/nl/open-marien-archief?module=ref&refid=141759

A new species of Parameiropsis Becker, <cite>1974</cite> is described from the Porcupine Seabight and questions about the position of this genus within Harpacticoida are briefly addressed. The new species is the smallest representative of the genus and extends the depth and distribution range of Parameiropsis to 880 m and 51°25.9’N. Parameiropsis antennafortis sp. n. differs from the known species (viz. P. rapiens Becker, <cite>1974</cite>, P. peruanus Becker, <cite>1974</cite> and P. magnus Itô, <cite>1983</cite>) basically in total body size, shape of labrum, robustness of A2, armature of mouthparts and P1-P5, shape of P5 and shape of copulatory pore and tube. Additionally, the new species has the apical elements of P1 enp-3 transformed into a unipinnate spine, a spiniform outer terminal seta and a miniaturized inner terminal seta. This condition is not homologous to the Podogennonta pattern. Parameiropsis do not show any decisive character supporting the inclusion of this genus within Ameiridae and is considered here an incertae sedis taxon within Harpacticoida