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-0002930

Species ID

OC-SP-0002930

Discovered

Phylum

Nemertea

Species ID

OC-SP-0002930

Provisional Species Name

Lineidae sp_SMTM024

Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS

Lineidae

Lowest Known Rank

Family

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

Pilidiophora

Order

Heteronemertea

Family

Lineidae

Date Identified

25/07/2025

Taxonomic Remarks

Generic affiliation is currently undetermined. Morphologically distinct from other known lineids. COI sequence divergence from the nearest neighbour is ~10%.

Received All Minimal Data for Discovery

08/04/2026

Description of Material

Body 5-26 mm long, 0.3-0.4 mm wide; narrow, and only moderately dorso-ventrally flattened; translucent; gut cream-colored, showing through body wall; colour pattern consists of a series of thin, pale greenish-ochre dorsal longitudinal stripes (7-9), which may break up into mottling; cephalic lobe about 8 times longer than it is wide, same width as adjacent body, with a bluntly rounded anterior tip; cerebral ganglia translucent. Cephalic slits are characteristically flared wide open. Caudal cirrus present. Ocelli lacking.

Ecology

Associated with coral rubble.

Distribution

Only known from Atauro Island, Timor-Leste.

Scientific Name Authorship

Maslakova, Svetlana

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.