A Global Mission

The mission of the Ocean Census is to accelerate the discovery of ocean life to advance fundamental science, empower conservation, and fuel innovation for the future of our planet.

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Gallery

Phylum

OC-SP-0000789

Species ID

OC-SP-0000789

Discovered

Phylum

Arthropoda

Species ID

OC-SP-0000789

Provisional Species Name

Parapseudidae sp.1

Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS

Parapseudidae

Lowest Known Rank

Family

Status

Discovered

Embargo

No

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Malacostraca

Order

Tanaidacea

Family

Parapseudidae

Date Identified

01/02/2025

Taxonomic Remarks

The taxonomic position of this wonderful species is uncertain but probably lies within the Parapseudidae, or as something completely separate. A possibly similar species was described by Sieg (1986) as “Apseudidae indet.” from Antarctica. This NZ species was partly described and fully drawn by Karl Lang during the 1970s and given the (unpublished) name “Arintheus truncus”.

Received All Minimal Data for Discovery

01/01/2025

Description of Material

A bizarre apseudomorphan, very common at the 1000m level. Body very tapering with strong spur on -1 coxa, spurs in front eyes, strong rostrum and tiny slender chelipeds held beneath the mouthparts. A great propensity to lose appendages on handling.

Ecology

Benthic sediments. Possibly a shallow burrower but more likely superficially epibenthic.

Distribution

Bounty Trough, 982-1389 m, TAN2402 Stns 31, 37, 47, 55. Also, common, Challenger Plateau, and Hikurangi Margin to Great South Basin, 460-1547 m

Join the census

The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.