Comments on Chiropsalmus (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Chirodropida): a preliminary revision of the Chiropsalmidae, with descriptions of two new genera and two new species

Abstract

The nomenclature and identity of Chiropsalmus quadrigatus have been extensively confused. Originally described from Rangoon, Burma, based on an immature and badly damaged specimen, subsequent Philippine and Australian redescriptions do not match primary characters of the holotype. This has led to widespread messiness in identification and classification of this and related species. In order to clarify the nomenclature of the Chiropsalmus-type cubomedusae, a preliminary revision of the Chiropsalmidae is given. Chiropsoides quadrigatus comb. nov. is proposed, in order to reflect the close relationship of this taxon with Chiropsoides buitendijki, based on the shared character of linear-branching pedalia. A common Australian form, often attributed to Chiropsalmus quadrigatus, is herein described as a new genus and species, Chiropsella bronzie. This new form differs from other Chirodropida in having sessile, solid, smooth gastric saccules, whereas in other Chirodropida these structures are pendant whether they are smooth or branched. This new species is not dangerous to humans. Another form, Chiropsalmus alipes n. sp., is described from the Pacific coast of southern Mexico; this new species differs from others in having long, blade-like pedalia similar to those of the Carybdeida, only four tentacles at maturity per pedalium, each branching in a different direction, and a warty body; comments are made regarding its apparent relationship to the enigmatic Chiropsalmus zygonema. The recently described Chiropsalmus maculatus is moved to a new genus, Chirodectes in the family Chirodropidae.