A novel Enterostomula (Platyhelminthes, Prolecithophora) species from two brackish lakes in Japan.

Nao Omi

doi:10.3897/bdj.8.e47161

Abstract

BackgroundThe genus Enterostomula Reisinger, 1926 belongs to the family Pseudostomidae and comprises generally small and often conspicuously coloured species living on hard bottoms, in gravel and amongst algae. The Pseudostomidae comprises approximately 44 known species from Europe as well as North and South America. Previously, only one species, Allostoma durum, had been recorded in Japan. Known Enterostomula species are predominantly found in marine and brackish habitats.New informationI collected seaweed and sand samples from two brackish lakes near the coast of Shimane Prefecture, Japan and isolated turbellarians from them. The animals were observed as both living and preserved. Here, I describe a novel Enterostomula species with two dorsal black bands and a thick bursal wall.

Highlights

Diverse organisms inhabit the brackish waters of Lakes Shinji and Nakaumi which are situated on Japan’s main island
The genus Enterostomula Reisinger, 1926 belongs to the family Pseudostomidae and comprises generally small and often conspicuously coloured species living on hard bottoms, in gravel and amongst algae
Prolecithophora is a group of small flatworms, which are usually shaped like a spindle or in the body wall which often have purple, yellow, red and brown pigments (Karling 1978, Karling 1993, Noren and Jondelius 2002)

Summary

Introduction

Diverse organisms inhabit the brackish waters of Lakes Shinji and Nakaumi which are situated on Japan’s main island. I describe a novel Enterostomula species with two dorsal black bands and a thick bursal wall. Characteristic features of Enterostomula species include a bursa, a vaginal pore and an unpaired spermatic duct (Reisinger 1926, Cannon 1986).

Results

Conclusion