New species of the genus Bulaceros from Indian Ocean

Bulaceros newcannorum

Phylum: Platyhelminthes

Subphylum: Rhabditophora Ehlers. 1985

Order: Polyclaldida Lang, 1884

Family: Pseudocerotidae Lang, 1884

Bulaceros newcannorum Dixit, 2020

Collection: Agatti Island (intertidal region opposite the solar power plant), 10°50′16′′N, 72°11′06′′E, Lakshadweep, India. 07.5.2019.

Voucher No.: IO/IT/POY/00026 – Holotype; IO/IT/POY/00027 – Paratype

Description: Body translucent with visible brown gut diverticula, darker and raised medially with a faint thin black median line up to 3/4 of body and black mottling in centre region. Irregular white spots of different sizes on dorsum. Margin composed of white spots and submarginal band is mix of brown and black. Pseudotentacles ear-like and small with white tipped knobs. Cerebral eyes in two clusters

Biological association: None.

Remarks: None.

Distribution: Lakshadweep Islands, India.

Distribution map:

Figure showing collection site of Bulaceros newcanorrum at Agatti (left) and Kavaratti (right)

Identified by: Sudhanshu Dixit

Publication: Dixit, S., Manjebrayakat, H. & Saravanane, N. 2020. A rare polyclad genus Bulaceros (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida: Pseudocerotidae): new species and new record from Indian coral atolls. Marine Biology Research, 16:8-9, 632-642.  10.1080/17451000.2020.1870044

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *