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Issue: Vol. 5821 No. 4: 3 Jun. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-06-03
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5821.4.3
Page range: 486-500
Abstract views: 71
PDF downloaded: 2

Rediscovery of the free-living nematode genus Metachromadoroides Timm, 1961 (Desmodorida: Desmodoridae) after 60 years from the Bay of Bengal, with the description of two new species

Zoological Survey of India; Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre; Digha; West Bengal –721 428; India; Department of Zoology; West Bengal State University; Barasat; Kolkata - 700 126; West Bengal; India
Zoological Survey of India; Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre; Digha; West Bengal –721 428; India
Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Monitoring (LEEM); P.G. and Research Department of Zoology; C. Abdul Hakeem College (Autonomous and affiliated to Thiruvalluvar University); Melvisharam- 632 509; Tamil Nadu; India
Nematoda Chromadorea morphology estuarine mudflat free-living nematode India

Abstract

The free-living nematode genus Metachromadoroides Timm, 1961 (Desmodorida: Desmodoridae) is rediscovered after a gap of 60 years from the Bay of Bengal mudflats. Two new species viz., Metachromadoroides champensis sp. nov., distinguishable from congeners by the presence of 14–19 pairs of precloacal supplements and two pairs of post-anal ventral protuberances on tail, and Metachromadoroides hamatus sp. nov. distinguishable from congeners by the presence of arcuated spicules with distal hook, and gubernaculum with dorsal apophysis distally bent, are described herein with light microscopic images and illustrations. Comparison with congeners of the genus Metachromadoroides and an identification key to species based on males are also provided.

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How to Cite

Manna, C., Balakrishnan, S. & Ansari, K.G.M.T. (2026) Rediscovery of the free-living nematode genus Metachromadoroides Timm, 1961 (Desmodorida: Desmodoridae) after 60 years from the Bay of Bengal, with the description of two new species. Zootaxa, 5821 (4), 486–500. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5821.4.3