Species ID
OC-SP-0002658
Discovered
Phylum
Platyhelminthes
Species ID
OC-SP-0002658
Provisional Species Name
Typhlopolycystis sp_IRLBB_01672
Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS
Typhlopolycystis
Lowest Known Rank
Genus
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
Order
Rhabdocoela
Family
Polycystididae
Genus
Typhlopolycystis
Taxonomic Remarks
The morphology of the male sclerotised structures in Typhlopolycystis sp.6 indicates a close relationship with the ‘rubra’ group of Typhlopolycystis, which includes T. coomasi, T. rubra, T. riegeri, T. tahitiensis, T. pluvialiae, T. maikoni, T. leasiae, and probably T. australiensis. Within this group, the combination of both stylets tapering to distal rounded tips is shared only by T. tahitiensis, T. australiensis, and Typhlopolycystis sp.6. However, in the two described species, the prostate stylet type III (psIII) is a very broad plate tapering only at the distal end, whereas in Typhlopolycystis sp.6 the psIII is narrower and tapers progressively from proximal to distal. The psIII is also considerably longer in T. tahitiensis (78–91 µm) and T. australiensis (63 µm) than in Typhlopolycystis sp.6 (39 µm). Similarly, the accessory stylet type II is longer in T. tahitiensis (72–81 µm) and T. australiensis (73 µm) compared to Typhlopolycystis sp.6 (49 µm).
Received All Minimal Data for Discovery
01/04/2026
Description of Material
Species of Typhlopolycystis without eyes and a relatively short proboscis. Prostate stylet type III measuring 39 µm in length, slightly bend over its proximal third, and straight the rest of its length, tapering to a distal broad, blunt tip. The accessory stylet type II is 49 µm long, arched, and tapering to a distal, round tip. Both stylets are proximally connected by a ring.
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.
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.
