Abstract
A new parasitic copepod, Abyssotaurus vermiambatus gen. et sp. nov. of the family Serpulidicolidae Stock (Copepoda, Cyclopoida), was discovered during the RV Meteor cruise M48/1 (DIVA 1) in the deep sea of the southeast Atlantic Ocean. Despite the doubtless affiliation of A. vermiambatus gen. et sp. nov. to Serpulidicolidae, the new species cannot be allocated into one of the currently known genera. It presents three autapomorphies: (i) fusion of the cephalosome with the remaining body somites, (ii) development of a derived labrum, and (iii) modification of the mandibular gnathobase into a strong masticatory apparatus. In addition to a detailed species description, a comprehensive phylogenetic evaluation of Serpulidicolidae using 52 morphological characters was realized. It confirms the monophyly of Serpulidicolidae, whose family diagnosis had to be amended, and reveals its closest relation to Nereicolidae Claus. Furthermore, some brief remarks on the biology of Serpulidicolidae, including an updated species checklist, are provided.
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