A new species of Leptophoxoides Barnard, 1962 (Amphipoda, Phoxocephalidae) from the Brazilian northeastern continental slope

A new species of Leptophoxoides Barnard, 1962 is described with material from the continental slope of Rio Grande do Norte state, northeastern Brazil at three different depths: 150, 400 and 2,500 meters. Leptophoxoides longisetae sp. nov. can be diagnosed and distinguished from the other two species of the genus, L. molaris Barnard, 1962 and L. marina Senna, 2010, by the following characters: antenna 1 peduncular article 1 ventral apex weakly ensiform; maxilla 1 inner plate longer than outer; maxilliped palp article 3 with blunt and extremely protuberant apex; gnathopods 1-2 carpus almost cryptic; gnathopod 2 palm defined by a large and sharply produced palmar hump; pereopod 6 basis posterodistal corner produced as a blunt lobe; and telson with two dorsal long plumose setae on each side. This is the first record of the genus for northeastern Brazilian waters, uncovering a higher biodiversity in deep waters.(AU)

Investigations into the ancestry of the Grape-eye Seabass (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos) reveal novel limits and relationships for the Acropomatiformes (Teleostei: Percomorpha)

For 175 years, an unremarkable bass, the Grape-eye Seabass (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos), has been known from coastal waters in the Eastern Pacific. To date, its phylogenetic placement and classification have been ignored. A preliminary osteological examination of Hemilutjanus hinted that it may have affinities with the Acropomatiformes. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using UCE and Sanger sequence data to study the placement of Hemilutjanus and the limits and relationships of the Acropomatiformes. We show that Hemilutjanus is a malakichthyid, and our results corroborate earlier studies that have resolved a polyphyletic Polyprionidae; accordingly, we describe Stereolepididae, new family, for Stereolepis. With these revisions, the Acropomatiformes is now composed of the: Acropomatidae; Banjosidae; Bathyclupeidae; Champsodontidae; Creediidae; Dinolestidae; Epigonidae; Glaucosomatidae; Hemerocoetidae; Howellidae; Lateolabracidae; Malakichthyidae; Ostracoberycidae; Pempheridae; Pentacerotidae; Polyprionidae; Scombropidae; Stereolepididae, new family; Symphysanodontidae; Synagropidae; and Schuettea. Finally, using our new hypothesis, we demonstrate that acropomatiforms repeatedly evolved bioluminescence and transitioned between shallow waters and the deep sea.

Durante más de 175 años el Serranido ojo de uva (Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos), un pez parecido a la lubina común, se conoce de las zonas costeras del Pacífico Oriental. Al día de hoy la posición filogenética de esta especie se desconoce. Un estudio preliminar de Hemilutjanus basado en caracteres osteológicos sugirió que esta especie puede tener afinidades con el orden Acropomatiformes. Para investigar la posición filogenética de Hemilutjanus y los límites y relaciones dentro del orden Acropomatiformes realizamos análisis filogenéticos utilizando datos de secuencias Sanger y de UCEs. Demostramos que Hemilutjanus es un malakichthyid y nuestros resultados recobran Polyprionidae como una familia polifilética corroboran así estudios anteriores. En consecuencia, diagnosticamos y describimos una nueva familia de peces, Stereolepididae, que incluye ambas especies del genero Stereolepis. Con esta revisión, ahora el orden Acropomatiformes se compone de las familias: Acropomatidae; Banjosidae; Bathyclupeidae; Champsodontidae; Creediidae; Dinolestidae; Epigonidae; Glaucosomatidae; Hemerocoetidae; Howellidae; Lateolabracidae; Malakichthyidae; Ostracoberycidae; Pempheridae; Pentacerotidae; Polyprionidae; Scombropidae; Stereolepididae, nueva familia; Symphysanodontidae; Synagropidae; y Schuettea. Finalmente, utilizando nuestra hipótesis filogenética, demostramos que bioluminiscencia ha evolucionado varias veces dentro de los miembros de Acropomatiformes y tambien demostramos múltiples transiciones entre aguas someras y zonas profundas del océano dentro de este grupo.

Deep-sea dragonfishes (Teleostei: Stomiiformes) collected from off northeastern Brazil, with a review of the species reported from the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone

The Stomiiformes includes about 455 species of mostly mesopelagic fishes in the families Diplophidae, Gonostomatidae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae, and Stomiidae. Here we report 55 species of the order collected during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions off northeastern Brazil, including islands and seamounts of Fernando de Noronha Ridge. Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Pachystomias microdon and Melanostomias biseriatus (Stomiidae) are recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic. Eustomias bibulbosus, Grammatostomias ovatus and Photonectes achirus (Stomiidae) are recorded for the first time in the South Atlantic. Eustomias minimus (Stomiidae), previously known from four poorly preserved specimens, is reported for the first time in the Atlantic. Occurrences of 18 species are confirmed or recorded for the first time in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone: Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Gonostoma denudatum (Gonostomatidae), Aristostomias grimaldii, Astronesthes gudrunae, Bathophilus nigerrimus, Borostomias elucens, Eustomias bibulbosus, E. braueri, E. minimus, E. schmidti, Grammatostomias ovatus, G. dentatus, Leptostomias gladiator, Melanostomias biseriatus, M. bartonbeani, Pachystomias microdon, Photonectes achirus, and Photostomias goodyeari (Stomiidae). Diagnostic and distributional data for all species recorded are provided, with new anatomical information presented for Melanostomias bartonbeani and Grammatostomias ovatus. A checklist of the 108 species of Stomiiformes confirmed in Brazilian waters is also presented.(AU)

Stomiiformes inclui cerca de 455 espécies válidas de peixes principalmente mesopelágicos, distribuídos nas famílias Diplophidae, Gonostomatidae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae e Stomiidae. Aqui, relatamos a ocorrência de 55 espécies de Stomiiformes coletadas durante as expedições ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) no nordeste do Brasil, incluindo as ilhas e montes submarinos da Cadeia de Fernando de Noronha. Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Pachystomias microdon e Melanostomias biseriatus (Stomiidae) são registradas pela primeira vez no Atlântico Sul ocidental. Eustomias bibulbosus, Grammatostomias ovatus e Photonectes achirus (Stomiidae) são registradas pela primeira vez no Atlântico Sul. Eustomias minimus (Stomiidae), anteriormente conhecida a partir de quatro espécimes mal preservados, é reportada pela primeira vez no Atlântico. A ocorrência de 18 espécies é confirmada ou registrada pela primeira vez na Zona Econômica Exclusiva brasileira: Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Gonostoma denudatum (Gonostomatidae), Aristostomias grimaldii, Astronesthes gudrunae, Bathophilus nigerrimus, Borostomias elucens, Eustomias bibulbosus, E. braueri, E. minimus, E. schmidti, Grammatostomias ovatus, G. dentatus, Leptostomias gladiator, Melanostomias biseriatus, M. bartonbeani, Pachystomias microdon, Photonectes achirus, e Photostomias goodyeari (Stomiidae). Dados diagnósticos e de distribuição de todas as espécies registradas são fornecidos, com novas informações anatômicas para Melanostomias bartonbeani e Grammatostomias ovatus. Uma lista preliminar das 108 espécies de Stomiiformes confirmadas em águas brasileiras também é apresentada.(AU)

First record and a new species of Euphrosynoplax (Crustacea: Pseudorhombilidae) from the southwestern Atlantic

Abstract A new species of deep-water brachyuran crab, Euphrosynoplax dincao, from southeastern Brazil is described and illustrated. The genus Euphrosynoplax currently consists of two species, E. clausaGuinot, 1969, and E. campechiensisVázquez-Bader & Gracia, 1991, both only known from the Gulf of Mexico. The new species can be easily separated from its northern counterparts by a suite of carapace and appendage characters. Euphrosynoplax campechiensis is recorded for the first time from the Caribbenan Sea (Guadeloupe and between Saint Kitts and Nevis).

First record and a new species of Euphrosynoplax (Crustacea: Pseudorhombilidae) from the southwestern Atlantic

Abstract A new species of deep-water brachyuran crab, Euphrosynoplax dincao, from southeastern Brazil is described and illustrated. The genus Euphrosynoplax currently consists of two species, E. clausaGuinot, 1969, and E. campechiensisVázquez-Bader & Gracia, 1991, both only known from the Gulf of Mexico. The new species can be easily separated from its northern counterparts by a suite of carapace and appendage characters. Euphrosynoplax campechiensis is recorded for the first time from the Caribbenan Sea (Guadeloupe and between Saint Kitts and Nevis).

First record and a new species of Euphrosynoplax(Crustacea: Pseudorhombilidae) from the southwestern Atlantic

A new species of deep-water brachyuran crab, Euphrosynoplax dincao, from southeastern Brazil is described and illustrated. The genus Euphrosynoplax currently consists of two species, E. clausa Guinot, 1969, and E. campechiensis Vázquez-Bader & Gracia, 1991, both only known from the Gulf of Mexico. The new species can be easily separated from its northern counterparts by a suite of carapace and appendage characters. Euphrosynoplax campechiensis is recorded for the first time from the Caribbenan Sea (Guadeloupe and between Saint Kitts and Nevis).(AU)

Deep-sea anglerfishes (Lophiiformes: Ceratioidei) from off northeastern Brazil, with remarks on the ceratioids reported from the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone

The deep-sea anglerfishes of the suborder Ceratioidei (Lophiiformes) are represented by about 170 valid species with some of the most extraordinary morphological and reproductive adaptations among vertebrates, including extreme sexual dimorphism and male parasitism. Here we report on the diversity and distribution of rare ceratioids collected during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions off northeastern Brazil and the Fernando de Noronha Ridge (Rocas Atoll, Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, and associated seamounts). Chaenophryne ramifera, Oneirodes anisacanthus, O. carlsbergi, Gigantactis watermani, and unidentified specimens of Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis are recorded for the first time in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. Ceratias uranoscopus, Melanocetus johnsonii, and Chaenophryne draco have their distributions extended in Brazilian waters. Caulophryne, O. anisacanthus, and G. watermani are also recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic. The specimen of G. watermani reported here represents the third known specimen of the species, and variations of its escal anatomy in relation to the holotype are described. Based on specimens examined and a review of records in the literature, 20 species of the Ceratioidei, in addition to unidentified species of Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis, are confirmed in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone.(AU)

Os peixes-pescadores de profundidade da subordem Ceratioidei (Lophiiformes) são representados por cerca de 170 espécies válidas que apresentam algumas das adaptações anatômicas e reprodutivas mais extraordinárias entre os vertebrados, incluindo extremo dimorfismo sexual e parasitismo masculino. No presente estudo reportamos sobre a diversidade e distribuição de espécies raras de Ceratioidei coletadas durante as expedições ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) realizadas ao largo do nordeste do Brasil e na Cadeia de Fernando de Noronha (Atol das Rocas, Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha e montes submarinos associados). Chaenophryne ramifera, Oneirodes anisacanthus, O. carlsbergi, Gigantactis watermani e espécimes não identificados de Caulophryne, Dolopichthys e Rhynchactis são registrados pela primeira vez na Zona Econômica Exclusiva brasileira. Ceratias uranoscopus, Melanocetus johnsonii e Chaenophryne draco tiveram suas distribuições estendidas em águas brasileiras. Caulophryne, O. anisacanthus e G. watermani também são registrados pela primeira vez no Atlântico Sul ocidental. O espécime de G. watermani reportado aqui representa o terceiro espécime conhecido da espécie, e variações anatômicas de sua esca em relação à do holótipo são descritas. Com base nos espécimes examinados e na revisão de registros na literatura, 20 espécies de Ceratioidei, além de espécies não identificadas de Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis, são confirmadas na Zona Econômica Exclusiva brasileira.(AU)

Deep-sea anglerfishes (Lophiiformes: Ceratioidei) from off northeastern Brazil, with remarks on the ceratioids reported from the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone

The deep-sea anglerfishes of the suborder Ceratioidei (Lophiiformes) are represented by about 170 valid species with some of the most extraordinary morphological and reproductive adaptations among vertebrates, including extreme sexual dimorphism and male parasitism. Here we report on the diversity and distribution of rare ceratioids collected during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions off northeastern Brazil and the Fernando de Noronha Ridge (Rocas Atoll, Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, and associated seamounts). Chaenophryne ramifera, Oneirodes anisacanthus, O. carlsbergi, Gigantactis watermani, and unidentified specimens of Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis are recorded for the first time in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. Ceratias uranoscopus, Melanocetus johnsonii, and Chaenophryne draco have their distributions extended in Brazilian waters. Caulophryne, O. anisacanthus, and G. watermani are also recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic. The specimen of G. watermani reported here represents the third known specimen of the species, and variations of its escal anatomy in relation to the holotype are described. Based on specimens examined and a review of records in the literature, 20 species of the Ceratioidei, in addition to unidentified species of Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis, are confirmed in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone.(AU)

Os peixes-pescadores de profundidade da subordem Ceratioidei (Lophiiformes) são representados por cerca de 170 espécies válidas que apresentam algumas das adaptações anatômicas e reprodutivas mais extraordinárias entre os vertebrados, incluindo extremo dimorfismo sexual e parasitismo masculino. No presente estudo reportamos sobre a diversidade e distribuição de espécies raras de Ceratioidei coletadas durante as expedições ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) realizadas ao largo do nordeste do Brasil e na Cadeia de Fernando de Noronha (Atol das Rocas, Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha e montes submarinos associados). Chaenophryne ramifera, Oneirodes anisacanthus, O. carlsbergi, Gigantactis watermani e espécimes não identificados de Caulophryne, Dolopichthys e Rhynchactis são registrados pela primeira vez na Zona Econômica Exclusiva brasileira. Ceratias uranoscopus, Melanocetus johnsonii e Chaenophryne draco tiveram suas distribuições estendidas em águas brasileiras. Caulophryne, O. anisacanthus e G. watermani também são registrados pela primeira vez no Atlântico Sul ocidental. O espécime de G. watermani reportado aqui representa o terceiro espécime conhecido da espécie, e variações anatômicas de sua esca em relação à do holótipo são descritas. Com base nos espécimes examinados e na revisão de registros na literatura, 20 espécies de Ceratioidei, além de espécies não identificadas de Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis, são confirmadas na Zona Econômica Exclusiva brasileira.(AU)

New records and a new species of Scaphopoda (Mollusca) from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean

ABSTRACT. The geographical distribution of Bathoxiphus ensiculus (Jeffreys, 1877) and Cadulus platensis Henderson, 1920 is greatly extended based on new records, the former being registered for the first time in the southwestern Atlantic. The type materials of both species are figured and an updated diagnosis of Bathoxiphus Pilsbry & Sharp, 1897 is presented. A new deep-sea species of Cadulus is described, Cadulus victori sp. nov., known from only empty shells collected in the Northeast Brazil (off Alagoas and Bahia states) and distinguished from his congeners mainly by the strongly inflated shell, general outline and dimensions. The present study reinforces that although recent taxonomic revisions have been performed on the Scaphopoda from the southwestern Atlantic, there are still unknown or unrecorded species in museum collections, mostly from poorly sampled areas, especially in the deep sea.

The deep sea teleost fish fauna of the Brazilian North Coast

Data on the deep sea fishes found off the northern Brazilian coast are restricted to the results of the surveys of the RV Oregon, a research vessel of the North American National Marine Fisheries Service, and the REVIZEE Program. The REVIZEE Score-Norte Program focused on commercial fish species and natural resources with potential for exploitation on the continental shelf and slope off the northern coast of Brazil. In this sense, the REVIZEE Score-Norte Program generated little information on species of no commercial value, did not catalog its inventory in zoological collections, and did not publish species lists. Given this considerable knowledge gap on the deep-sea fish found off the North coast of Brazil, we compiled all the available data on the deep-sea fish of this region and also retrieved photographic records from the REVIZEE Score-Norte Program, including the PRODEMERSAL and PROTUNA projects. Considering the published records, specimens deposited in zoological collections, and the interpretation of photographic records, we compiled a list of 63 species of deep-sea fish from the North coast of Brazil. An additional 30 species were found in the published records from the PRODEMERSAL and PROTUNA, but were considered to be doubtful or pending confirmation.(AU)

Os dados sobre peixes de profundidade encontrados na costa Norte do Brasil são restritos aos resultados de coletas realizadas pelo RV Oregon, um navio do Serviço Nacional de Pesca Marítima da América do Norte, e do Programa REVIZEE. O Programa REVIZEE Score-Norte teve como foco as espécies de peixes com valor comercial e recursos naturais com potencial para exploração na plataforma continental da costa Norte do Brasil. Contudo, o REVIZEE Score-Norte gerou pouca informação sobre as espécies sem valor comercial, não catalogou o material da biodiversidade inventariada, assim como não gerou listas de espécies. Dada a lacuna no conhecimento sobre os peixes de profundidade da costa norte do Brasil, nós compilamos todos os dados disponíveis e recuperamos registros fotográficos do Programa REVIZEE Score-Norte, incluindo os projetos PRODEMERSAL e PROTUNA. Considerando os registros publicados, espécimes depositados em coleções zoológicas e os registros fotográficos, apresentamos uma lista de 63 espécies de peixes de profundidade na costa Norte do Brasil. Outras 30 espécies encontradas nos registros publicados do PRODEMERSAL e PROTUNA, foram consideradas duvidosas, carecendo de confirmação.(AU)

The deep sea teleost fish fauna of the Brazilian North Coast

Data on the deep sea fishes found off the northern Brazilian coast are restricted to the results of the surveys of the RV Oregon, a research vessel of the North American National Marine Fisheries Service, and the REVIZEE Program. The REVIZEE Score-Norte Program focused on commercial fish species and natural resources with potential for exploitation on the continental shelf and slope off the northern coast of Brazil. In this sense, the REVIZEE Score-Norte Program generated little information on species of no commercial value, did not catalog its inventory in zoological collections, and did not publish species lists. Given this considerable knowledge gap on the deep-sea fish found off the North coast of Brazil, we compiled all the available data on the deep-sea fish of this region and also retrieved photographic records from the REVIZEE Score-Norte Program, including the PRODEMERSAL and PROTUNA projects. Considering the published records, specimens deposited in zoological collections, and the interpretation of photographic records, we compiled a list of 63 species of deep-sea fish from the North coast of Brazil. An additional 30 species were found in the published records from the PRODEMERSAL and PROTUNA, but were considered to be doubtful or pending confirmation.(AU)

Os dados sobre peixes de profundidade encontrados na costa Norte do Brasil são restritos aos resultados de coletas realizadas pelo RV Oregon, um navio do Serviço Nacional de Pesca Marítima da América do Norte, e do Programa REVIZEE. O Programa REVIZEE Score-Norte teve como foco as espécies de peixes com valor comercial e recursos naturais com potencial para exploração na plataforma continental da costa Norte do Brasil. Contudo, o REVIZEE Score-Norte gerou pouca informação sobre as espécies sem valor comercial, não catalogou o material da biodiversidade inventariada, assim como não gerou listas de espécies. Dada a lacuna no conhecimento sobre os peixes de profundidade da costa norte do Brasil, nós compilamos todos os dados disponíveis e recuperamos registros fotográficos do Programa REVIZEE Score-Norte, incluindo os projetos PRODEMERSAL e PROTUNA. Considerando os registros publicados, espécimes depositados em coleções zoológicas e os registros fotográficos, apresentamos uma lista de 63 espécies de peixes de profundidade na costa Norte do Brasil. Outras 30 espécies encontradas nos registros publicados do PRODEMERSAL e PROTUNA, foram consideradas duvidosas, carecendo de confirmação.(AU)

The point on Opaliopsis atlantis (Gastropoda: Epitoniidae) distribution: new data from the Mediterranean and implications

Abstract Specimens of the rare amphi-Atlantic epitoniid Opaliopsis atlantis have been recorded in the Strait of Messina (central Mediterranean) from a hydrozoan stylasterid-rich habitat. The record, which adds a new site to the sporadic occurrences of this prevalently deep-water species, may be considered the first contextualized report from Mediterranean Sea. Opaliopsis atlantis displays a planktotrophic larval development functional for long-range colonization of favorable habitats. Its discontinuous distribution all over its broad geographic range highlights the potential role of Atlantic seamounts as stepping-stones for transoceanic dispersal. Although no conclusive information is yet available upon the feeding requirements of O. atlantis all over its range, we suggest that this cnidarian-ectoparasitic prosobranch could adapt to different hosts, as a strategy that may enhance its wide biogeographic distribution.

New records and a new species of Scaphopoda (Mollusca) from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean

The geographical distribution of Bathoxiphus ensiculus (Jeffreys, 1877) and Cadulus platensis Henderson, 1920 is greatly extended based on new records, the former being registered for the first time in the southwestern Atlantic. The type materials of both species are figured and an updated diagnosis of Bathoxiphus Pilsbry & Sharp, 1897 is presented. A new deep-sea species of Cadulus is described, Cadulus victori sp. nov., known from only empty shells collected in the Northeast Brazil (off Alagoas and Bahia states) and distinguished from his congeners mainly by the strongly inflated shell, general outline and dimensions. The present study reinforces that although recent taxonomic revisions have been performed on the Scaphopoda from the southwestern Atlantic, there are still unknown or unrecorded species in museum collections, mostly from poorly sampled areas, especially in the deep sea.(AU)

New records and a new species of Scaphopoda (Mollusca) from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean

The geographical distribution of Bathoxiphus ensiculus (Jeffreys, 1877) and Cadulus platensis Henderson, 1920 is greatly extended based on new records, the former being registered for the first time in the southwestern Atlantic. The type materials of both species are figured and an updated diagnosis of Bathoxiphus Pilsbry & Sharp, 1897 is presented. A new deep-sea species of Cadulus is described, Cadulus victori sp. nov., known from only empty shells collected in the Northeast Brazil (off Alagoas and Bahia states) and distinguished from his congeners mainly by the strongly inflated shell, general outline and dimensions. The present study reinforces that although recent taxonomic revisions have been performed on the Scaphopoda from the southwestern Atlantic, there are still unknown or unrecorded species in museum collections, mostly from poorly sampled areas, especially in the deep sea.

The point on Opaliopsis atlantis (Gastropoda: Epitoniidae) distribution: new data from the Mediterranean and implications

Specimens of the rare amphi-Atlantic epitoniid Opaliopsis atlantis have been recorded in the Strait of Messina (central Mediterranean) from a hydrozoan stylasterid-rich habitat. The record, which adds a new site to the sporadic occurrences of this prevalently deep-water species, may be considered the first contextualized report from Mediterranean Sea. Opaliopsis atlantis displays a planktotrophic larval development functional for long-range colonization of favorable habitats. Its discontinuous distribution all over its broad geographic range highlights the potential role of Atlantic seamounts as stepping-stones for transoceanic dispersal. Although no conclusive information is yet available upon the feeding requirements of O. atlantis all over its range, we suggest that this cnidarian-ectoparasitic prosobranch could adapt to different hosts, as a strategy that may enhance its wide biogeographic distribution.

The point on Opaliopsis atlantis (Gastropoda: Epitoniidae) distribution: new data from the Mediterranean and implications

Specimens of the rare amphi-Atlantic epitoniid Opaliopsis atlantis have been recorded in the Strait of Messina (central Mediterranean) from a hydrozoan stylasterid-rich habitat. The record, which adds a new site to the sporadic occurrences of this prevalently deep-water species, may be considered the first contextualized report from Mediterranean Sea. Opaliopsis atlantis displays a planktotrophic larval development functional for long-range colonization of favorable habitats. Its discontinuous distribution all over its broad geographic range highlights the potential role of Atlantic seamounts as stepping-stones for transoceanic dispersal. Although no conclusive information is yet available upon the feeding requirements of O. atlantis all over its range, we suggest that this cnidarian-ectoparasitic prosobranch could adapt to different hosts, as a strategy that may enhance its wide biogeographic distribution.(AU)

A new species of Ophryotrocha (Annelida: Dorvilleidae) associated with the coral Lophelia pertusa (Anthozoa: Caryophylliidae)

Ophryotrocha is the most speciose genus within Dorvilleidae, with species occurring in a great variety of environments around the globe. In Brazil, records of Ophryotrocha are scarce and no specific identification is provided for any of the records. Herein we describe a new species of Dorvilleidae, Ophryotrocha zitae sp. nov. Adult and larval specimens were found in the axis of a fragment of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa, sampled off São Paulo’s coast, at a depth of 245 m. Both forms are described and illustrated. This new species resembles O. puerilis, O. adherens and O. eutrophila, but can be distinguished based on differences in its mandible and on chaetae shape and arrangement.

A new species of Ophryotrocha (Annelida: Dorvilleidae) associated with the coral Lophelia pertusa (Anthozoa: Caryophylliidae)

Ophryotrocha is the most speciose genus within Dorvilleidae, with species occurring in a great variety of environments around the globe. In Brazil, records of Ophryotrocha are scarce and no specific identification is provided for any of the records. Herein we describe a new species of Dorvilleidae, Ophryotrocha zitae sp. nov. Adult and larval specimens were found in the axis of a fragment of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa, sampled off São Paulos coast, at a depth of 245 m. Both forms are described and illustrated. This new species resembles O. puerilis, O. adherens and O. eutrophila, but can be distinguished based on differences in its mandible and on chaetae shape and arrangement.(AU)

First record of the genus Eumunida Smith, 1883 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Eumunididae) from the southwestern Atlantic, with the description of a new species

Eumunida picta Smith, 1883, was considered for over a century an amphi-Atlantic species and the only representative of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean, until being split into three species: E. picta sensu stricto (from the northwestern Atlantic), E. bella de Saint Laurent & Macpherson, 1990 and E. squamifera de Saint Laurent & Macpherson, 1990 (from the northeastern and southeastern Atlantic, respectively). Eumunida is now expanded to include a new species, E. notialis, from off the Brazilian coast. Hence, this is the first record of Eumunida and Eumunididae from the southwestern Atlantic. The new species differs from all its Atlantic counterparts in having (1) four hepatic spines; (2) two carapace inframarginal spines; (3) the distal end of the antennal acicle nearly reaching to the articulation between fourth and fifth antennal segments; and (4) the anterolateral spine of the second pleonal tergite obsolete.

First record of the genus Eumunida Smith, 1883 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Eumunididae) from the southwestern Atlantic, with the description of a new species

Eumunida picta Smith, 1883, was considered for over a century an amphi-Atlantic species and the only representative of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean, until being split into three species: E. picta sensu stricto (from the northwestern Atlantic), E. bella de Saint Laurent & Macpherson, 1990 and E. squamifera de Saint Laurent & Macpherson, 1990 (from the northeastern and southeastern Atlantic, respectively). Eumunida is now expanded to include a new species, E. notialis, from off the Brazilian coast. Hence, this is the first record of Eumunida and Eumunididae from the southwestern Atlantic. The new species differs from all its Atlantic counterparts in having (1) four hepatic spines; (2) two carapace inframarginal spines; (3) the distal end of the antennal acicle nearly reaching to the articulation between fourth and fifth antennal segments; and (4) the anterolateral spine of the second pleonal tergite obsolete.(AU)