Abstract
Linopherus beibuwanensis sp. n. is described based on six specimens deposited in the Marine Biological Museum of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, collected from the Beibu Gulf (Tokin Gulf), South China Sea. The new species differs from all other Linopherus species by the shape of prostomium and caruncle. The posterior margin of prostomium is bilobed; the caruncle arises medially and confluently from the posterior margin of the prostomium, joining together with prostomium. A key to distinguish the known species of the genus is provided.
Highlights
Polychaetes belonging to the family Amphinomidae are commonly known as fireworms due to the burning sensation caused by the calcareous harpoon notochaetae (Fauchald, 1977)
Since Linopherus has been accepted by subsequent authors and in the present work (San Martín 1986; Salazar-Vallejo 1987)
Linopherus differs remarkably from the other genera of the family in having species without caruncle or with a reduced caruncle, and branchiae that are limited to the anterior part of the body
Summary
Polychaetes belonging to the family Amphinomidae are commonly known as fireworms due to the burning sensation caused by the calcareous harpoon notochaetae (Fauchald, 1977). Species of the genus Linopherus Quatrefages, 1865 have been referred as members of Pseudeurythoe Fauvel, 1932. Linopherus differs remarkably from the other genera of the family in having species without caruncle or with a reduced caruncle, and branchiae that are limited to the anterior part of the body. The morphology of the prostomium, the development of prostomial appendages, caruncle, parapodia, and the number of branchiae are important in species identification (Kudenov 1995).
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