Mixtophyes toothlessi sp. n., a new Kinorhyncha species (Anomoirhaga: Neocentrophyidae) from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, with a revision of terminology and taxonomic features of the family.

Abstract

A new species of Mixtophyes Sánchez et al. 2014 is described from the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (north-eastern Pacific Ocean). The new species is characterised by the presence of spinose processes on segments 1-11 in middorsal position and on segments 1-10 in midlateral position, paired paradorsal setae on segments 2, 4-6 and 8-9, and unpaired ones on segments 3 and 7, paired setae in paralateral and ventrolateral positions on segments 2-9. In addition, some morphological characteristics of the family Neocentrophyidae and the genus Mixtophyes are discussed, and the diagnoses of both taxa are updated. Lastly, the taxonomic nomenclature of Neocentrophyidae and the sexual characters of the genus are accordingly emended.