Description of new sand-dwelling Rhynchothorax species (Pycnogonida, Rhynchothoracidae) from Korean waters with note on novel morphological traits
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A new species belonging to the genus Rhynchothorax was discovered in a subtidal sandy patch off the eastern coast of Jejudo Island, Republic of Korea. The new species, Rhynchothorax arenigenus sp. nov. , is morphologically close to R. nopperabo , R. philopsammum , and R. vallatus , but can be distinguished by a combination of morphological characters: an ectal tubercle at the lateral extension of cephalic segment, the lateral process intervals, the arrangement of spines and tubercles on the lateral processes, the oviger spine formula, leg tuberculation, and the relative length of auxiliary claws. We highlight three morphological traits in the present species: a pair of ventral furrows on the proboscis, variable lateral process intervals, and the structure of oviger terminal claw. Notably, the ventral furrows are described here for the first time within the genus and may have been overlooked in other Rhynchothorax species. Additionally, partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( cox1 ) are provided to support species delimitation and to facilitate future phylogenetic research.
Source: Zoosystematics and Evolution
Authors: Damin Lee, Jin-Ho Park, Taeseo Park
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,078
Funders: Smithsonian Institution, National Research Foundation, Ewha Womans University, Ministry of Environment, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education, India, Hokkaido University, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Jeonbuk National University, National Museum of Natural History, National Institute of Biological Resources
OpenAlex ID: W4415614669