Species ID
OC-SP-0002953
Discovered
Phylum
Nemertea
Species ID
OC-SP-0002953
Provisional Species Name
Tetranemertes sp_SMTM009
Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS
Tetranemertes
Lowest Known Rank
Genus
Status
Discovered
Does the taxonomist(s) intend to work on this material further?
3. I/We are not sure yet. This is of course no problem, we will display your species info (if not embargoed) while you work out your species description plan.
Embargo
No
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Nemertea
Class
Hoplonemertea
Order
Monostilifera
Family
Oerstediidae
Genus
Tetranemertes
Date Identified
24/07/2025
Taxonomic Remarks
Morphologically resembles several species in the Tetranemertes rubrolineata-unistriata complex found within the Indo-West Pacific region (Japan, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, SW Indian Ocean). Groups most closely with Tetranemertes paulayi from the Sea of Arabia (9% COI sequence divergence), from which it differs by the presence of a dorsal stripe. The two species share rounded basis of central stylet (as opposed to forked in other congeners).
Received All Minimal Data for Discovery
08/04/2026
Description of Material
Body 40-80 mm long, 0.25-0.3 mm wide, exceedingly long and thread-like, white, translucent, with a single mid-dorsal longitudinal pink to pale magenta stripe running the length of body. Colour of the gut varies, depending on its content (cream to deep orange), and shows clearly through the body wall. With four rows of ocelli — two on each side of head. Cephalic lobe not wider than adjacent body. A single ventral transverse cephalic furrow forms a shallow anteriorly-directed “V” shape in front of the cerebral ganglia, which are voluminous and colourless. Neck furrow absent. Rhynchocoel and proboscis limited to the anterior-most region of the body, with stylets found within 3 head lengths from the anterior tip. Stylet basis was examined in one individual only, and was distally rounded (not forked), S/B =1. Two accessory stylet sacs with 1-2 stylets each.
Ecology
Associated with coral rubble.
Distribution
Only known from Atauro Island, Timor-Leste.
Scientific Name Authorship
Maslakova, Svetlana
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