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-0002632

Species ID

OC-SP-0002632

Discovered

Phylum

Platyhelminthes

Species ID

OC-SP-0002632

Provisional Species Name

Macrostomorpha sp_IRLBB_00541

Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS

Macrostomorpha

Lowest Known Rank

Superorder

Status

Discovered

Does the taxonomist(s) intend to work on this material further?

2. I/We already have plans to publish. (For marine invertebrates please know that SOSA could support you in this too - please click the button for more details).

Embargo

No

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Platyhelminthes

Taxonomic Remarks

Macrostomorpha sp.1 represents a unique taxon within Macrostomorpha. It shows a glandular epidermis and a male copulatory bulb located in the posterior most part of the body. The bulb is armed of a stylet and received the discharge of two seminal vesicles. The sperm of this species, which is fusiform, without bristles, feeler or brush, indicates a close relationship with species of Bradynectes. However, in species Bradynectes, and all other species of the related Dolichomacrostomidae, a single seminal vesicle discharges into the male bulb. Thus, I cannot provide a genus level classification for the new species.

Received All Minimal Data for Discovery

01/04/2026

Description of Material

Species of Macrostomorpha without eyes and a very glandular epidermis, making difficult the observation of the internal anatomy. Male copulatory organ located terminally in the body, directed forward. The male bulb receives two seminal vesicles and contains a prostate vesicle and a stylet. Prostate vesicle containing two types of glands. The stylet is tubular, proximally curved and forming a funnel, slightly tapering a distal sharp tip, 138 µm long. Sperm fusiform, without any additional structure such bristles or brush, 43 µm long.

Ecology

Medium-grained and well-sorted sand, 10 m deep, salinity 37 ‰.

Distribution

United States of America, Florida, 6.75 km SE from the mouth of Fort Pierce Inlet, 27.429300; -80.241083.

Scientific Name Authorship

Diez, Yander L.

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