Abstract
Aldrovandia oleosa, a new halosaur closely related to A. phalacra (Vaillant), is described from the Tongue-of-the-Ocean, a deep oceanic trough in the Bahamas. Characters distinguishing A. oleosa from A. phalacra include the presence in the former of only 16-21 lateral-line scales anterior to the vent and an interspace between the pterygoid and palatine tooth patches that exceeds the length of the palatine patch. Unlike other halosaurs the new species has a very small gas bladder; however, its flesh is richly invested with oil. Fresh specimens of A. oleosa have a black head and a chocolate-brown body; preserved specimens become considerably faded. The new species is parasitized by a large copepod of the genus Lophoura. The parasite, which is highly specific for A. oleosa, attaches near the vent. A. oleosa is known from bathyal depths in the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Guinea region; it probably also occurs in the Indian Ocean.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.