Species Of Cyclopoid Copepods Research Articles

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Cyclopoid Copepod in and around Coimbatore Lakes Using 18s rRNA Analysis

Published ecological research on the variety and distribution of freshwater planktonic cyclopoid copepods rely on DNA techniques for precise taxonomic identification. Large-scale investigations of plankton identification using molecular techniques are now more practical due to the increased coverage of reference species in the genetic database GenBank and the falling prices for DNA sequencing. Here, we offer a useful morphological and molecular method for identifying Mesocyclops aspericornis, M. dissimilis, M. pehpiensis, Thermocyclopsdecipiens, and T. hyalinus, which were found in Coimbatore, India, at the Sulur, Singanallur, Ukkadam, and Muthanna lakes. A microscope was used to observe morphological identification. Amplification of 18S rRNA was one technique used for cyclopoids' molecular identification. The evolutionary relationship between 5 species of freshwater cyclopoid copepods is the focus of the current study on molecular phylogenetic analysis. The findings revealed that there was no interpopulation variation in the 18S rRNA molecules of M. dissimilis, M. pehpiensis, T. decipiens, and T. hyalinus. It is intriguing to look at genetic distances within and across taxa to see if a particular group of cyclopoids has diverged, on average, more or less than others. The greatest genetic divergence among cyclopoid taxa was caused by the extreme variance in M. aspericornis, which was more than twice as high as the other cyclopoids. Finally, during the investigation, T. hyalinus was discovered for the first time in the lakes of Coimbatore, India.

Short handling times allow for active prey selection in suspension feeding copepods

AbstractThe time it takes copepods to handle prey can vary depending on the properties of the prey, but it is still largely unknown how handling times may affect copepod feeding efficiency. We compiled data on prey‐handling times derived from video observations in 10 species of calanoid and cyclopoid copepods consuming a large variety of prey. Prey‐handling times vary by five orders of magnitude, and the largest fraction of this variation is explained by relative prey size: larger prey takes longer to handle. When normalized by prey volume (volume of prey handled per unit time), however, larger prey are handled more efficiently than smaller prey. Within this overarching pattern there are distinct differences among species. Thus, large species handle a certain prey size much faster than small species. However, when further normalizing by predator size, the data for all species (except Mesocyclops spp.) collapse on a common relationship. Handling times are generally not limiting maximum consumption rates, and less so for large prey. This allows room for prey selectivity, and indeed copepods are known to be highly selective feeders. Our data predict that copepods can afford to be more selective when feeding on larger than on smaller prey and when consumption is not limited by prey encounter rate, and this is consistent with observations of copepod feeding behavior. We argue that the fast handling times allow copepods to optimize their diet through prey selectivity, and that this is one key to the evolutionary success of pelagic copepods.

Choreftria shiranui, a new genus and species of cyclopoid copepod (Crustacea: Copepoda) associated with the worm goby from southern Japan, with the proposal of a new family.

A new genus and species of cyclopoid copepod, Choreftria shiranui n. g., n. sp. (Crustacea: Copepoda) is described based on an adult female found from the worm goby, Taenioides snyderi Jordan & Hubbs (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Gobiidae), from mud flats in the Yatsushiro Sea, southern Japan. The new genus is characterized by bearing the following characters in the female: body distinctly segmented cyclopiform with 4-segmented prosome and 6-segmented urosome; genital somite clearly separated from first abdominal somite; antennule 7-segmented; antenna 4-segmented with one fused serrated claw and long claw on second endopodal segment; mandible reduced with one serrated blade; maxillule rod-like with one element; maxilla 2-segmented with recurved terminal claw; maxilliped 2-segmented; legs 1 to 4 biramous with 3-segmented rami. Since the copepod is not attributable to any of the known cyclopoid families, a new family, Choreftriidae n. fam. is established to accommodate Choreftria n. g.LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C1FB9F60-9871-4D4B-A1BF-3202BA24189F.

An individual-based model for evaluating post-exposure effects of UV-B radiation on zooplankton reproduction

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and UV-B (280–320 nm) in particular, has been shown to be partially responsible for adverse effects on zooplankton throughout the world, from damaged DNA to altered population dynamics. To cope with these effects, copepods have developed several protective systems, including avoiding extended and intense periods of exposure. How much UV-B exposure a cohort of thousands of spawners can withstand remains unknown. To evaluate the post-exposure effects of UV-B radiation on reproduction in egg-carrying copepods, we developed an individual-based model (IBM) that integrates in vivo data. We calibrated the IBM for a small cyclopoid copepod species, Paracyclopina nana, which is a biological model used in both ecotoxicology and aquaculture. Our findings improve our understanding of the species’ response to UV-B radiation. Significant radiative effects include decreased reproductive success (at ≥ 0.7 kJ.m − 2) and offspring production (at 0.6 ≥ kJ.m − 2). The model predicted fewer than 500 females from an original cohort of 1000 would survive for five days after exposure to 1 kJ/m2, and 50% offspring suppression eight days after exposure to 1 kJ.m − 2. This integrative model highlighted the importance of female longevity in maintaining a viable population at doses below 2 kJ.m − 2 and that of hatching success for radiation levels exceeding 2 kJ.m − 2. P. nana appeared to be a sensitive species at 25 °C but improvements in the model, such as incorporation of temperature variation effects and recovery mechanisms, should provide better estimates of the species’ sensitivity to UV-B.

Surface cyclopoid copepod assemblages in relation to environmental conditions near undisturbed coral reefs of Minicoy, southeastern Arabian Sea, a part of the Indian Ocean

AbstractThe cruise conducted in the spring inter‐monsoon (pre‐monsoon) of April 2015 in the frame of a funded project epitomized an open ocean survey that allowed procuring a quasi‐synoptic picture of cyclopoid copepod community structure in 18 open ocean stations of the Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep archipelago, off the southwestern Indian coast, based on the analysis of standing stock and composition in the integrated 0–10 m water column. The main objective was to explore the community structure of cyclopoid copepods prevailing here and which environmental variable influences the same. It is witnessed that sea surface temperature (SST) (30.42 ± 0.19°C), sea surface salinity (SSS) (33.56 ± 1.15 psu), and dissolved oxygen (DO) (4.32 ± 0.06 ml/L) with SSS and DO are the best matching variables diversifying cyclopoid copepod species (av. abundance 700 ± 386 no. of individuals/100 m3). Average zooplankton biomass (0.03 ml/m3) and abundance (8,989 ± 3,866 no. of individuals/100 m3) were also observed. Fifty‐one cyclopoid copepod species belonging to four families and seven genera were identified, with the dominance of high saline species such as Sapphirina, Copilia, Farranula, and Oncaea. An abundance biomass curve (ABC) plot analysis indicated an undisturbed community with normal environmental conditions. TAXDTEST (taxonomic distinctness) depicted a diverse condition where all points clustered together within a 95% confidence level. Our results indicate that the cyclopoid copepod assemblage near Minicoy Island is a diverse, undisturbed community and hypothesize that the stable environmental conditions during pre‐monsoon (spring inter‐monsoon) preferred the diversification of cyclopoid copepods with the prevalence of high saline species. The data evolved could be used as a standard reference/benchmark to detect any deviation from an undisturbed/diverse community status of Minicoy Island in the looming scenario of climate change in and around the Indian Ocean.

Demographic characteristics of two freshwater cyclopoid copepods in Mexico, fed a plankton diet: the native Mesocyclops longisetus Thiébaud and the invasive Mesocyclops pehpeinsis Hu

ABSTRACTThe introduction of exotic species often results in a loss of biodiversity. Mexico has 4 invasive species of freshwater cyclopoid copepods: Thermocyclops crassus, Mesocyclops aspericornis, M. thermocyclopoides, and M. pehpeiensis. The Asian cyclopoid M. pehpeiensis is now established in several lakes and rivers in Mexico, but how it might compete with native species and potentially change the structure of plankton communities is unknown. Some insights might be obtained from a study of its demography compared to that of a native species. We compared the life cycle parameters of the native Mesocyclops longisetus and the exotic invasive species M. pehpeiensis in separate cultures. Four treatments were set up with 2 densities of Plationus patulus (Rotifera) individuals (1 and 4 mL−1) and 2 concentrations of Scendesmus acutus (Chlorophyte) cells (0.5 × 106 and 1.5 × 106 mL−1). Both species survived and reproduced in the treatment of 4 mL−1 of P. patulus individuals + 0.5 × 106 mL−1 of S. acutus cells. Mesocyclops pehpeiensis had common characteristics in successful invasive species: short generation time, high reproductive capacity, and a wide dietary range. At low rotifer densities, M. pehpeiensis had a higher population growth rate (0.12 d−1) compared to M. longisetus (0.08–0.10 d−1). M. pehpeiensis is likely to outcompete M. longisetus, especially under food-limited conditions, and most likely expand its range in Mexico.

The Whole Genome Sequence and mRNA Transcriptome of the Tropical Cyclopoid Copepod Apocyclops royi.

Copepoda is one of the most ecologically important animal groups on Earth, yet very few genetic resources are available for this Subclass. Here, we present the first whole genome sequence (WGS, acc. UYDY01) and the first mRNA transcriptome assembly (TSA, Acc. GHAJ01) for the tropical cyclopoid copepod species Apocyclops royi. Until now, only the 18S small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene and the COI gene has been available from A. royi, and WGS resources was only available from one other cyclopoid copepod species. Overall, the provided resources are the 8th copepod species to have WGS resources available and the 19th copepod species with TSA information available. We analyze the length and GC content of the provided WGS scaffolds as well as the coverage and gene content of both the WGS and the TSA assembly. Finally, we place the resources within the copepod order Cyclopoida as a member of the Apocyclops genus. We estimate the total genome size of A. royi to 450 Mb, with 181 Mb assembled nonrepetitive sequence, 76 Mb assembled repeats and 193 Mb unassembled sequence. The TSA assembly consists of 29,737 genes and an additional 45,756 isoforms. In the WGS and TSA assemblies, >80% and >95% of core genes can be found, though many in fragmented versions. The provided resources will allow researchers to conduct physiological experiments on A. royi, and also increase the possibilities for copepod gene set analysis, as it adds substantially to the copepod datasets available.

Seasonal cycle of zooplankton abundance and biomass in Hamsilos Bay, Sinop, Southern Black Sea, Turkey

ABSTRACTIn this investigation, zooplankton was studied between July 2015 and June 2016 in Hamsilos Bay to examine spatial and temporal variations in abundance, biomass and taxonomic composition. The recorded mean zooplankton abundance and biomass were 3770.35 ind. m−3 and 25.06 mg m−3 in the inner station, 3928.11 ind. m−3 and 28.19 mg m−3 in the middle station and 3948.22 ind. m−3 and 28.74 mg m−3 in the outer station, respectively. The high abundance and biomass values observed in September 2015 were attributed to Oithona davisae (4575 ind. m−3 at the inner station) and Penilia avirostris (33.4 mg m−3 at the outer station), respectively. Copepoda was the most abundant during the entire period of the survey. In terms of abundance and biomass, Copepoda was followed by meroplankton and Cladocera. Most species within the zooplankton community exhibited evident seasonality throughout the year in Hamsilos Bay. This was particularly apparent for O. davisae, Centropages ponticus, Cladocera and meroplankton, which were abundant in summer–autumn, and for Pseudocalanus elongatus, which was more abundant during winter and spring. It has been determined that O. davisae, which is a non-indigenous cyclopoid copepod species of the Black Sea, has successfully inhabited southern Black Sea and has established a permanent population in this area.

Contrasting impact of diatoms on dominant calanoid and cyclopoid copepods in a temperate bay

The role of diatom dominance and phytoplankton concentration in determining the abundance of the dominant calanoid and cyclopoid copepod species in Port Phillip Bay, southern Australia, was investigated. Sampling for Chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton and zooplankton was conducted on 11 sampling trips between August 2016 and June 2017. The proportion of diatom cells was positively related to the total phytoplankton cell concentration but less related to the chlorophyll-a concentration. Abundance of the dominant calanoid copepod, a key prey item for larval fish, increased with water temperature but declined when the proportion of diatom cells increased, and was unrelated to chlorophyll-a concentration. In contrast, abundance of the dominant cyclopoid copepod was not related to the proportion of diatom cells but was positively related to water temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration. The results verify the assumptions previously made about the negative relationship between the proportion of diatoms and abundance of the dominant calanoid copepod Paracalanus indicus when modelling planktonic production and fish recruitment in Port Phillip Bay. In relation to the dominant cyclopoid copepod Oithona similis, the results indicate that this species was not affected by the proportion of diatoms. Instead, the results suggest that food-limitation may be a key factor determining the abundance of O. similis in Port Phillip Bay. Overall, variation in zooplankton composition and fish recruitment in Port Phillip Bay will depend not only on phytoplankton abundance but also on the composition in relation to the dominance of diatoms.

A new species of bomolochid Orbitacolax brevispinus n. sp. and redescription of taeniacanthid Cirracanthus inimici (Yamaguti et Yamasu, 1959) (Crustacea: Copepoda: Cyclopoida) parasitic on marine fishes of Korea.

Two species of cyclopoid copepods are recorded in this study. (1) A new species of bomolochid, Orbitacolax brevispinus n. sp. (Crustacea) is described based on adult females collected from the gill filaments and inner surface of the opercula of red barracuda, Sphyraena pinguis Günther (Perciformes: Sphyraenidae), captured in Korean waters. The new species differs from its congeners by the possession of two pairs of spines on the dorsal surface of the cephalothorax located just posterior to the rostrum and a different setal formula on the distal exopodal segments of legs 2-4. (2) A taeniacanthid Cirracanthus inimici (Yamaguti et Yamasu, 1959) (Crustacea) is redescribed based on the specimens collected from the gill filaments and inner surface of the opercula of devil stinger, Inimicus japonicus (Cuvier) (Scorpaeniformes: Synancellidae). This finding is the first record in Korean waters and the first description of male. A checklist of parasitic copepods of the families Bomolochidae Sumpf, 1871 and Taeniacanthidae Wilson, 1911of Korea is also provided.

The Effect of the Alternative Prey, Paramecium caudatum (Peniculida: Parameciidae), on the Predation of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) by the Copepods Macrocyclops albidus and Megacyclops viridis (Cyclopoida: Cyclopidae).

Biological control can be an effective tool to combat public health risks associated with mosquito-borne disease. However, target impacts of biological control agents may be reduced by biotic contexts such as the presence of alternative prey. In turn, this can impede our ability to realistically assess biocontrol agent efficacy. Here, we examine the effects of alternative ciliate prey on the predation potential of two cyclopoid copepods, Macrocyclops albidus Jurine (Cyclopoida: Cyclopidae) and Megacyclops viridis Jurine (Cyclopoida: Cyclopidae), toward larvae of the West Nile virus vector mosquito Culex pipiens Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae). Using functional responses (FRs; resource use under different resource densities), we demonstrate that both copepods exhibit potentially destabilizing type II FRs toward mosquito prey. However, where the alternative prey was present, we observed species-specific modulations to FR form and magnitude. For M. albidus, FRs remained type II where ciliate prey were present, however, maximum feeding rates on mosquito larvae were reduced. Conversely, for M. viridis, FRs moved toward more stabilizing type III, while maximum feeding rates on mosquito larvae were not significantly reduced. While both species of cyclopoid copepod were able to effectively target and consume larval mosquitoes in the presence of alternative prey, we demonstrate that overall efficacies may be reduced in aquatic habitats which contain multiple prey types. We thus advocate that biotic contexts such as prey selectivity should be integrated into predatory biocontrol agent examinations for mosquitoes which vector pathogens and parasites, to more holistically assess their efficacy.

A new genus and two new species of cave-dwelling cyclopoids (Crustacea, Copepoda) from the epikarst zone of Thailand and up-to-date keys to genera and subgenera of the Bryocyclops and Microcyclops groups

Two obligate cave-dwelling species of cyclopoid copepods (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) were discovered inside caves in central Thailand. Siamcyclops cavernicolus gen. et sp. nov. was recognised as a member of a new genus. It resembles Bryocyclops jankowskajae Monchenko, 1972 from Uzbekistan (part of the former USSR). It differs from it by (1) lack of pointed triangular prominences on the intercoxal sclerite of the fourth swimming leg, (2) mandibular palp with three setae, (3) spine and setal formulae of swimming legs 3.3.3.2 and 5.5.5.5, respectively, and (4) specific shape of spermatophore. Metacyclops thailandicus sp. nov. resembles M. cushae Reid, 1991 from Louisiana (USA). It differs from it by (1) distal segment of the endopod of the fourth swimming leg with one apical spine, (2) the fifth swimming legs with one broad segment, (3) the spine formula of the distal segment of the exopod of the swimming legs 3.4.3.3, and (4) well developed anal operculum reaching articulation with caudal rami. Detailed descriptions of the habitats of the new species and up-to-date keys to the genera and subgenera of the Bryocyclops and Microcyclops groups are provided, along with an updated list of obligate groundwater species of Copepoda in Southeast Asia.

Behavioral response of the freshwater cyclopoid copepod Eucyclops serrulatus to hydropeaking and thermopeaking in a laboratory flume

ABSTRACTThe generation of electricity by hydropower plants meets the requirements for intermittent energy demand and for the production of renewable energy. However, the hydropower plant operation has important consequences for the biotic compartment of the river reaches downstream. Intermittent release of water causes sudden variations in discharge that increase bed shear stress and dislodge benthic organisms. Release from high-elevation reservoir can also affect the thermal regime of the river by causing sharp variations in water temperature. Because the hydrodynamic and thermal waves separate while propagating downstream, the benthic community is exposed to two distinct stressors that affect taxa differently based on their sensitivity and adaptations. We investigated separately the effects of a sudden variation in discharge or in water temperature on the small-scale swimming behavior of a widespread species of cyclopoid copepod in a laboratory flume that allows the tracking of organisms both in the water column and in a transparent sediment bed. We gradually varied the discharge or the temperature of the water to mimic the artificial changes caused by hydropower plants. We tracked copepods in three dimensions and quantified the kinematics of their motion. Copepods increased substantially their counter-current swimming effort in response to increasing flow velocity. This behavioral response seems to occur above a threshold in flow velocity of approx. 40 mm/s. It results in a substantial reduction in their downstream transport and hence opposes drift. Copepods reacted differently to warm and cold variations in temperature. Decreasing temperature resulted in a substantially lower counter-current swimming effort, which may therefore increase drift. Rising temperature had no clear effect on their behavior. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the behavioral traits that mediate the response of stream invertebrates to disturbances in the hydraulic and thermal regimes of their environment.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of cyclopoid copepod Mesocyclops leuckarti using mtCOI

Copepods are the most abundant metazoan zooplankton amongst multicellular animals. The present study was performed to establish the sequence variation of partial mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase I gene (COI) from Mesocyclops leuckarti collected from the Retteri Lake, Chennai in order to identify and describe their genetic divergence along with the phylogenetic relatedness with other species. DNA of individual M. leuckarti was extracted and the partial mitochondrial COI gene was successfully amplified using the universal primers LCO-1490 and HCO-2198. A 576bp partial mitochondrial COI gene sequence was obtained. Analysis of partial COI sequences of M. leuckarti exposed 93% similarity amongst all the individual of copepods selected from Genbank. The obtained COI sequences of Cyclopoid copepod was confirmed with BLAST analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of M. leuckarti along with selected out groups from different taxa level further supports the clarity and maintained the authentic of taxonomy up to the subclass level: Copepoda. The results showed that, the COI barcoding of cyclopoid copepod species could be distinguished from the others very clearly. Thus, it strongly indicated that COI may be a useful construction of a comprehensive DNA barcode database for copepods inhabiting the freshwater bodies in Chennai.

Predation efficiency of copepods against the new invasive mosquito species Aedes koreicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Italy

Aedes koreicus (Edwards) (Diptera: Culicidae) is an invasive mosquito species and potential vector of pathogens which has recently colonised a large part of northeastern Italy and other European countries. Several species of cyclopoid copepods are natural predators of mosquito larvae and can be useful biological control agents in artificial containers used as breeding sites by Aedes mosquitoes. However, to ensure behavioural efficiency of these agents, and to avoid the introduction of non-native species, predatory copepods should be selected from the local fauna. In this study, we evaluated the predation efficiency under laboratory conditions of two locally bred populations of cyclopoid copepod species, Macrocyclops albidus (Jurine, 1820) and Mesocyclops leuckarti (Claus, 1857) (Copepoda: Cyclopoida), which are two of the most common European species of cyclopoid copepods, against Ae. koreicus larvae. Predation experiments were also conducted with Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) as a “reference”. In each predation test, one adult female copepod was placed with 50 first instar larvae of a single mosquito species in a Petri dish filled with 10 mL of water. After 24 hours, the mean number (± standard error) of first instar larvae killed by one M. albidus female was 18.6 ± 1.3 Ae. koreicus and 20.9 ± 1.3 Ae. albopictus, and the mean number killed by one M. leuckarti female was 25.8 ± 2.8 Ae. koreicus and 36.1 ± 4.2 Ae. albopictus. In addition, M. leuckarti was slighly less effective against Ae. koreicus than against Ae. albopictus after 48 hours, probably because first instar larvae of Ae. koreicus were larger than first instar larvae of Ae. albopictus. Our findings indicate for the first time that copepods are effective predators of first instar larvae of Ae. koreicus.

A New Species of Hyperbenthic Cyclopoid Copepod from Japan: First Record of the Genus Cyclopicina in the Indo-Pacific Region.

A new species of the cyclopinid genus Cyclopicina, C. toyoshioae sp. nov., was collected from the hyperbenthic layer off northern Kyushu Island, Japan; its description is based on two adult female specimens. This is the first record of the genus from the Indo-Pacific region. The new species can be distinguished from its two known congeners in: (1) the relatively short antennules which do not reach the posterior margin of the dorsal cephalothoracic shield; (2) the shape of seminal receptacles; (3) the segmentation and armature of the cephalothoracic appendages; (4) the shape of the basal protrusion between the rami of legs 1-4; (5) the presence of three outer spines on the third exopodal segment of leg 4; and (6) the presence or absence of outer setae on the free exopodal segment of leg 5. The genus Cyclopicina shows a wide but scattered distribution in hyperbenthic layers, from the continental shelves to deep-sea basins, in the northern hemisphere.

A simple and effective method for assessing chromatin diminution values in copepods using qPCR

The value of chromatin diminution (CD) in different species of freshwater cyclopoid copepods can differ significantly. The biological and evolutionary roles of these differences remain unclear. To expand the knowledge on CD distribution and magnitude in this group of copepods, a quick method for its evaluation was required. This study proposes a simple approach for CD assessment in copepods using quantitative realtime PCR (qPCR). The magnitude of changes in the genome size was assessed by comparing fluorescence curves of qPCR fragments of target genes for pre- and post-diminution materials. The method was tested on four cyclopoid copepods species. In Cyclops kolensis, CD was assessed as 95.3 ± 1.2; in Acanthocyclops vernalis it was assessed at 94.6 ± 0.8%; at C. insignis, it was 82.3 ± 5.2%; and for the first time, CD was found in Megacyclops viridis at 91.1 ± 2.6%. The advantages of our approach are its rapidity, simplicity and minimal requirements of materials studied.

Copepods Oithona similis and Oithona davisae: Two strategies of ecological–physiological adaptation in the Black Sea

Salinity tolerance, energy metabolism, buoyancy, and passive sinking and swimming speeds have been studied for comparative assessment of the adaptive potential of two species of cyclopoid copepods in the Black Sea, the native Oithona similis and new invader Oithona davisae. Both species were considered marine euryhaline copepods, but the range of salinity tolerance of O. davisae was much broader (5–55‰). The energy metabolism, locomotor activity, mean body mass density, and speed of passive sinking at the same temperature were significantly higher in O. davisae than in O. similis. The relationship between the physiological and behavioral parameters and ecological characteristics of the species are discussed.

Four new representatives of the genus Allocyclops Kiefer, 1932 from semi-consolidated subsoil aquifers in Benin (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Cyclopidae)

Several species of cyclopoid copepods were collected from improved and unimproved hang-dug-wells in the Republic of Bénin over the years 2009–2014. Fifty five wells located in seven different districts were sampled: 15 wells in the district of Pobè (Department Plateau) and 1 well in Kétou (Department Plateau), 4 wells in Porto-Novo District (Department Ouémé) and, 15 wells in Lokossa District (Department Mono),18 wells in Parakou District (Department Borgou), 1 well in Abomey-Calavi District (Department Atlantique) and 1 in Zogbodomè District (Department Zou). Among them, 4 new species of the genus Allocyclops Kiefer, 1932 were found and are described herein: Allocyclops spinifer sp. n., A. nudus sp. n., A. pilosus sp. n. and A. sakitii sp. n. They are compared with the three African species previously described. Allocyclops appears to be a sub-Saharan taxon specialized to thrive in the variable environment of subsoil aquifers in laterite deck beds. An identification key to the 7 different African Allocyclops species is provided.

A New Species of Pennatulicola Humes and Stock (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Rhynchomolgidae) Associated with a Pennatulacean from Tokyo Bay, Japan

A new species of poecilostome cyclopoid copepod, Pennatulicola piscatorius n. sp., is described as an associate of the pennatulacean genus Pteroeides from Tokyo Bay, Japan. The new species is distinguishable from its congeners by the following combination of features: exopod of leg 5 with conical inner process arising 38% of way distally, maxillule with three apical setae, and basis of legs 1–4 with a simple outer seta. This is the first record of the genus Pennatulicola in East Asia.