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The World of Protozoa, Rotifera, Nematoda and Oligochaeta

Longicyatholaimus

Longicyatholaimus Micoletzky, 1924 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)

Chromadorida Filipjev, 1929: Family Cyatholaimidae Filipjev, 1918: Subfamily Cyatholaiminae Filipjev, 1918 (ref. ID; 3571)

ref. ID; 3571

Type species

Cyatholaimus longicaudatus De Man 1876, designated by Micoletzky, 1924 (ref. ID; 3571)

ref. ID; 7632

Diagnosis

Cyatholaiminae. Cuticle with transverse rows of punctations, punctations with stellate processes at least at anterior extremity and on tail, lateral differentiation present with punctations larger and more widely spaced, i.e., about half as many rows laterally as on other sectors of body (arranged in longitudinal rows in some questionably retained species). Dorsal tooth comparatively reduced, subventral teeth greatly reduced or absent. Hypodermal pore complexes in four complete longitudinal rows associated with lateral hypodermal chords, partial subventral and subdorsal rows at anterior extremity in some species. Pore aperture at or near 45 degrees angle to longitudinal body axis, those on anterior portion of body directed away from lateral aspect, those on posterior half directed toward lateral aspect, reversal point abrupt, near mid-body. Lateral modified punctations fewer in number than lateral hypodermal pore complexes, 0 to 1 found on tail, often found in species-characteristic groups at anterior extremity and in region of spicules. Spicules relatively simple, gubernaculum difficult to distinguish from spicules, its distal extremity expanded and bearing numerous denticles. Preanal supplements, cup-shaped, non-sclerotized. Tail short, conoid anteriorly with prolonged filamentous posterior portion. (ref. ID; 7632)

Remarks

The genus Longicyatholaimus Micoletzky, 1924 was established for Cyatholaimus longicyatholaimus de Man, 1876 and related species. Of the five species originally included in the genus, only the type was illustrated, and this somewhat imperfectly. The inclusion of Cobb's (1898) three taxa, C. minor, C. trichurus and C. heterurus, and C. tenuicaudatus Saveljev, 1912 is decidedly subjective. An examination of specimens collected from near the type localities for morphologic features which would substantiate or refute their present taxonomic allocation, is required. Three species, Longicyatholaimus maldivarum Gerlach, 1954, L. minor (Cobb, 1898) and L. trichurus (Cobb, 1898), which have the cuticular punctations in the lateral chord area differentiated into longitudinal rows, are tentatively retained in this genus. It is felt unwise to propose a new taxon for this group in view of the scant information available for Cobb's two species. Gerlach's species seems unique among the genus Longicyatholaimus due to its having setose structures protruding from the cup-shaped preanal supplementary organs. If Cobb's two species are similarly constructed one might then find justification in removing these species to a group of their own. Longicyatholaimus capsulatus Vitiello, 1970 appears to lack hypodermal pore complexes and the preanal supplementary organs are more prominently developed than is customary for this genus. Its position within the Cyatholaimidae is uncertain. (ref. ID; 7632)

Type species

Cyatholaimus longicaudatus de Man, 1876, p.111. Examination of specimens of L. longicaudatus from the type locality (Bay of Naples) provides the basis for an emended generic diagnosis. (ref. ID; 7632)
  1. Longicyatholaimus annae Wieser & Hopper, 1967
    See; Marilynia annae (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  2. Longicyatholaimus bellulus Vitiello, 1970
    See; Marilynia bellula (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  3. Longicyatholaimus capsulatus Vitiello, 1970 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  4. Longicyatholaimus cervoides Vitiello, 1970 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  5. Longicyatholaimus choanolaimoides (Stekhoven, 1942) (ref. ID; 3571) or (Stekhoven, 1942) Wieser, 1954 (ref. ID; 7632)
    See; Marilynia choanolaimoides (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  6. Longicyatholaimus clavicauda Stekhoven, 1935
    See; Pomponema clavicaudatum (ref. ID; 7632)
  7. Longicyatholaimus clavicaudatus Stekhoven, 1935
    See; Pomponema clavicaudatum (ref. ID; 3571)
  8. Longicyatholaimus complexus Warwick, 1971
    See; Marilynia complexa (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  9. Longicyatholaimus continus Filipjev, 1946 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  10. Longicyatholaimus dayi Inglis, 1963
    See; Marilynia dayi (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  11. Longicyatholaimus dubius Filipjev, 1946
    See; Marilynia dubia (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  12. Longicyatholaimus effilatus (Stekhoven, 1946)
    See; Marilynia effilata (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  13. Longicyatholaimus effilatus Stekhoven, 1950
    See; Marilynia stekhoveni (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  14. Longicyatholaimus egregius Hopper, 1972 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632 original paper)
  15. Longicyatholaimus falcatus Vitiello, 1970 (1971) (ref. ID; 7632), Vitiello, 1971 (ref. ID; 3571)
  16. Longicyatholaimus filicaudatus Stekhoven, 1950 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  17. Longicyatholaimus heterurus (Cobb, 1898) (ref. ID; 7632) or (Cobb, 1898) Micoletzky, 1924 (ref. ID; 3571)
    Syn; Cyatholaimus heterurus Cobb, 1898 (ref. ID; 3571)
  18. Longicyatholaimus lineatus Gerlach, 1952 (ref. ID; 7632) or 1953 (ref. ID; 3571)
    See; Nummocephalus lineatus (ref. ID; 7632), Pomponema lineatum (ref. ID; 3571)
  19. Longicyatholaimus longicaudatus (de Man, 1876) Micoletzky, 1924 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
    Syn; Cyatholaimus longicaudatus De Man, 1876 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  20. Longicyatholaimus macrodentatus (Wieser, 1959) (ref. ID; 3571) or (Wieser, 1959) Wieser & Hopper, 1967 (ref. ID; 7632)
    See; Marilynia macrodentata (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  21. Longicyatholaimus maldivarum Gerlach, 1964 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  22. Longicyatholaimus marilynae Hopper, 1972 (ref. ID; 7632 original paper)
  23. Longicyatholaimus marilyniae Hopper, 1972 (ref. ID; 3571 misspelling?)
  24. Longicyatholaimus minor (Cobb, 1898) (ref. ID; 7632), (Cobb, 1898) Micoletzky, 1924 (ref. ID; 3571)
    Syn; Cyatholaimus minor Cobb, 1898 (ref. ID; 3571)
  25. Longicyatholaimus pugettensis (Wieser & Hopper, 1967)
    See; Paracyatholaimus pugettensis (ref. ID; 3571, 6573, 7632)
  26. Longicyatholaimus quadriseta Wieser, 1954
    See; Marilynia gerlachi (ref. ID; 3571), Marilynia quadriseta (ref. ID; 3571, 7632), Paracyatholaimus pugettensis (ref. ID; 3571)
  27. Longicyatholaimus quadriseta Wieser sensu Wieser, 1959
    See; Paracyatholaimus pugettensis (ref. ID; 7632)
  28. Longicyatholaimus quadriseta Wieser sensu Gerlach, 1964
    See; Marilynia gerlachi (ref. ID; 7632)
  29. Longicyatholaimus stekhoveni Wieser, 1954
    See; Marilynia stekhoveni (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  30. Longicyatholaimus tautraensis (Allgen, 1933) Gerlach, 1964
    See; Nummocephalus tautraensis (ref. ID; 7632)
  31. Longicyatholaimus tenuicaudatus (Saveljev, 1912) (ref. ID; 7632), (Ssaweljev, 1912) Micoletzky, 1924 (ref. ID; 3571)
    Syn; Cyatholaimus tenuicaudatus Ssaweljev, 1912 (ref. ID; 3571)
  32. Longicyatholaimus trichocauda Gerlach, 1955 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  33. Longicyatholaimus trichurus (Cobb, 1898) (ref. ID; 7632), (Cobb, 1898) Micoletzky, 1924 (ref. ID; 3571)
    Syn; Cyatholaimus trichurus Cobb, 1898 (ref. ID; 3571)
  34. Longicyatholaimus wieseri (Inglis, 1963) (ref. ID; 3571), (Inglis, 1963) Wieser & Hopper, 1967 (ref. ID; 7632)
    See; Marilynia wieseri (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
  35. Longicyatholaimus zosterae Allgen, 1933 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)
    See; Paralongicyatholaimus zosterae (ref. ID; 3571)

Longicyatholaimus egregius Hopper, 1972 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632 original paper)

Differential diagnosis

Longicyatholaimus egregius n. sp. is most closely related to L. trichocauda Gerlach, 1955, and is distinguished by the distal extremity of the spicules bearing 12 or more large spines as opposed to three to four in L. trichocauda, and by not having the proximal extremity of the spicules directed ventrally. In addition to the usual four sublateral rows of hypodermal pore complexes, L. trichocauda has two more partial rows each with two to three pores, located subventrally at the anterior extremity of the body. L. egregius n. sp. lacks these partial rows. The total number of hypodermal pore complexes per row in L. egregius n. sp. is greater than in L. trichocauda, i.e., 89-115 vs. 74-97 while the reverse is true for the lateral modified punctations. L. trichocauda having 50 opposed to 30-36 for L. egregius n. sp. (ref. ID; 7632)

Descriptions

Cuticle homogeneous, with transverse rows of punctations, slightly larger and more widely spaced at extremities and along lateral surface, i.e., only half the number of rows. Hypodermal pore complexes numerous, occurring in only four longitudinal rows; VSL=89-115 (13, 4-7), DSL=99-115 (15-18, 7-8). Lateral modified punctations (LMP) fewer, L=30-36 (7 to 11, 0), majority of LMP in neck region grouped anteriorly (7-8 within a distance of 85-115 µm). Another grouping of 5-8 LMP within a space of 85-120 µm is found a short distance anterior to the tail. Aperture of hypodermal pore complexes oriented as described in L. marilynae n. sp. Maximum width 80-83 µm. Head 36-38 µm wide, with six setose labial setae, 5-6 µm long, and ten cephalic setae, 20 + 15 µm in length. Somatic setae 4-5 µm long, very fine and widely spaced, seemingly arranged in at least 10 longitudinal rows, i.e., four sublateral, four submedian and a dorsal and ventral row. It is possible that the dorsal and ventral setae likewise may be in double rows. Amphids multispiral, with four and one-half turns, 13-14 µm widely 12 µm long. Stoma with moderate-sized dorsal tooth opposed by at least one pair (possibly two) of obscure subventral denticles. Excretory pore 72-90 µm from anterior extremity. Esophagus 440 to 452 µm long. Tail 703-825 µm long (9.8-13 anal body diameters); anterior 120 µm conoid, remainder filamentous; caudal X 17%. Anal body diameter 62-72 µm. (ref. ID; 7632)
  • Male: Male 3.33-3.37 mm long, diorchic, gonads opposed, outstretched. Spicules 120-123 µm long (chord 99-106 µm), with complex diagonal ridges. Gubernaculum either reduced or closely adhering to the spicules, with prominent denticulation at distal extremity. Additionally, there are prominent teeth-like structures associated with either the gubernaculum or the distal extremity of the spicules. There are 4-5 small, flattened, cup-shaped preanal supplements extending 117-128 µm anteriad the cloacal aperture. (ref. ID; 7632)
  • Female: Female unknown. (ref. ID; 7632)

    Deposited materials

  • Holotype (male): Canadian National Collection of Nematodes, Entomology Research Institute, Ottawa, Collection No.4823, Type slide No.201. (ref. ID; 7632)
  • Paratypes (male, n=2): On Type slides Nos.201a and 201b. Canadian National Collection of Nematodes, Collection Nos.4823 and 5122. (ref. ID; 7632)

    Type locality and collection data

    Two males collected from sandy sediment within a bed of turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum Konig, located offshore from the beach at Virginia Key (Site A of Hopper and Meyers, 1967). Holotype collected May 27, 1967, by S.P. Meyers. Other male collected October 15, 1965, by S.P. Meyers. An additional male was obtained from a similar environmental located off the western shore of Key Biscayne (adjacent to Site C of Hopper and Meyers, 1967). Collected May 25, 1967, by S.P. Meyers. (ref. ID; 7632)

    Longicyatholaimus longicaudatus (de Man, 1876) Micoletzky, 1924 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)

    Synonym

    Cyatholaimus longicaudatus de Man, 1876 (ref. ID; 3571, 7632)

    Descriptions

    Cuticle homogeneous, with transverse rows of punctations; slightly larger and more widely spaced at extremities and along lateral surface, i.e., only half the number of rows. Punctations with stellate processes (approximately 12-14 rays). Hypodermal pore complexes numerous, occurring in four complete longitudinal rows; VSL=88-115 (17-19, 3-6), DSL=114-133 (17-22, 5-7). In addition, there are four partial rows situated at the anterior extremity, two subventral rows with 4-7 pores and two subdorsal rows with 8-14 pores. Ventral sublateral pores in posterior region fewer in number compared to corresponding dorsal row. "Phasma-like" structures alternate with normal hypodermal pore complexes in this region. Based on their number and arrangement, these 'phasma-like" structures are regarded as vestigial (or rudimentary) hypodermal pore complexes. Lateral modified punctations (LMP) few in number, L=6-12 (3-6, 0-1); majority of LMP found in two groups, an anterior group of 4-5 and a preanal group containing 2-5 LMP. The anterior group occurs approximately 90 µm posterior to the cephalic extremity and occupies a space of 35-50 µm. Aperture of hypodermal pore complexes oriented obliquely at 45-degree angle to longitudinal body axis, in anterior half of body the pore aperture is directed away from the lateral aspect. Abruptly near mid-body, near pores 49-60, the orientation is reversed 180 degrees with the pore apertures aligned towards the lateral surface. Maximum width 80-97 µm. Head 36-42 µm wide, with six setose labial papillae, 3 µm long and 10 cephalic setae 10-12 + 9-10 µm in length. Cervical setae in groups of three, 9-10 µm long. Somatic setae 7 µm long, fine, widely spaced. Amphids multispiral, with four turns, 11.5 µm wide by 10 µm long. Stoma with moderate-sized dorsal tooth; subventral armature not observed. Excretory pore 93-117 µm from anterior extremity. Esophagus 320-390 µm long. Tail 595-645 µm long (10.7-13 anal body diameters); anterior 85-100 µm conoid, remainder filamentous; caudal X 22%. Anal body diameter 46-60 µm. (ref. ID; 7632)
  • Male: Male 1.78-2.46 mm long, diorchic, gonads opposed, outstretched. Spicules 58-60 µm long (chord 52-55 µm), of fiarly simple construction. Gubernaculum different to distinguish from spicules, with prominently denticulated expansion at distal extremity. Typically there are two, sometimes three small, flattened, cup-shaped preanal supplements extending 47-55 µm (62 µm in the case of there being three supplements present) anteriad the cloacal aperture. (ref. ID; 7632)
  • Female: Female 2.22-2.45 mm long. V=41%. Didelphic, amphidelphic, gonads reflexed. (ref. ID; 7632)

    Remarks

    The present specimens, 10 males, five females, Canadian National Collection of Nematodes No.5829, originating from the Bay of Naples, are sufficiently similar to De Man's description to permit one to suggest their conspecificity. Communication with Dr. P.A.A. Loof, at Wageningen, The Netherlands, has disclosed that the marine materials forming the basis of De Man's 1876 paper were not among the collection left by De Man to the Zoological Museum of the University of Amsterdam. Thus a comparison of recent and original material is precluded. Kreis'(1926) redescription of L. longicaudatus is regarded as questionable due to the smaller number of turns described for the amphid, viz., one and one-half, the greater number of preanal supplements, viz., 5-6, and the complete failure to mention anything concerning the presence of what are now referred to as hypodermal pore complexes. De Man (1876) drew attention, insufficiently so, to these "papilles circulaires", admitting that his observations were uncertain, i.e., "mais il me faut avouer que mes notices sont trev vagues a l'egard de la situation de ces papilles". The status of the single female described by Allgen (1933) from the Trondhjemsford cannot be established on the basis of information provided. While normally female specimens are difficult to identify to species, females of L. longicaudatus can be distinguished on the basis of the four partial rows of hypodermal pore complexes found at the anterior extremity. Had Allgen mentioned this feature, I would accept his identification. As this information is missing. I regard the record of L. longicaudatus from Norway as doubtful. The record of this species from the Kieler Bucht (Gerlach 1958) similarly requires substantiation. (ref. ID; 7632)

    Locality and collection data

    Collected by Dr. G. Bonaduce, November 12, 1968, at a depth of four meters from the Bay of Naples, coordinates 40 degrees 49'10"N, 14 degrees 13'10"E, utilizing a grab sampler aboard the RV/10 Biance. Samples secured, sorted and sent through the courtesy of the Mediterranean Marine Sorting Center, Salammbo, Tunisia, under the directorship of Dr. Neil C. Hulings. (ref. ID; 7632)

    Longicyatholaimus marilynae Hopper, 1972 (ref. ID; 7632 original paper)

    Differential diagnosis

    Longicyatholaimus marilynae n. sp. is distinguished from all other species in which males are known by the form and placement of the preanal supplements. There are 12-14 supplements arranged in two groups of 7-9 and 4-6, respectively, and separated by a distance of 35-38 µm. In the case of those species for which males have not been described and thus are of questionable status. L. marilynae appears similar to L. heterurus (Cobb, 1898) from which it can be provisionally separated by the shorter labial setae (1/3 length of cephalic setae vs. 1/2). (ref. ID; 7632)

    Descriptions

    Cuticle homogeneous, with transverse rows of punctations (slightly larger and more widely spaced at extremities), with the dots of each row positioned between those of the row a head and behind. Hypodermal pore complexes numerous, occurring in only four longitudinal rows; VSL=86-102 (10-17, 1-6), DSL=97-132 (9-19, 2-5). Lateral modified punctations (LMP) fewer; L=28-53 (11-16, 0). Majority of LMP in neck region grouped anteriorly (6-10). While no LMP occur on the tail, a tight grouping of 5-7 occur in the region overlying the spicules in the male and in the homologous region in the female. The adanal group is separated by a distance in excess of 200 µm from the next LMP. Aperture of hypodermal pore complexes oriented obliquely at 45 degree angle to longitudinal body axis, in anterior half of body the pore aperture is directed away from the lateral aspect. Abruptly near mid-body, the orientation is reversed 180 degrees with the pore aperture aligned towards the lateral surface. Maximum width 62-79 µm. Head 32-34 µm wide, with six setose labial papillae, 5-6 µm long and 10 cephalic setae 18.5 + 14.5 µm in length. Somatic setae 3-4 µm long, very fine, widely spaced, and seemingly arranged in at least 10 longitudinal rows. Amphids multispiral, with four to four and one-half turns, 13-15 µm wide by 11-12.5 µm long. Stoma with moderate-sized dorsal tooth opposed by two pairs of obscure subventral denticles. Excretory pore 60-70 µm from anterior extremity. Esophagus 342-397 µm long. Tail 335-640 µm long (6.3-11 anal body diameter); anterior 100 µm conoid, remainder filamentous; caudal X 11%. Anal body diameter 54-65 µm. (ref. ID; 7632)
  • Male: Male 2.36-3.04 mm long, diorchic, gonads opposed, outstretched. Spicules 82-90 µm long (chord 64-71 µm). Gubernaculum paired, duplex and paralleling spicules, 57-63 µm long (chord 51-58 µm); distal one-third appearing separated from remaider, bearing three caudally directed teeth. There are 12-14 preanal supplements arranged in two groups of 8(7-9) and 5(4-6). (ref. ID; 7632)
  • Female: Female 2.52 mm long. V=47%. Didelphic, amphidelphic, gonads reflexed. (ref. ID; 7632)

    Deposited material

  • Holotype (male): Canadian National Collection of Nematodes, Entomology Research Institute, Ottawa, Collection No.4823, Type slide No.200. (ref. ID; 7632)
  • Allotype (female): On Type slide No.200a, Collection No.4823. (ref. ID; 7632)
  • Paratypes: Seven males and three females on Type slides Nos.200b to 200g. Canadian National Collection of Nematodes, Collection No.4823. (ref. ID; 7632)

    Type locality and collection data

    Eight males and four males collected from sandy sediment within a bed of turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum Koning located offshore from the beach at Virginia Key (Site A of Hopper and Meyers, 1967). Holotype collected August 3, 1965, by S.P. Meyers. Others collected January 22, 1965, (two females) by B.E. Hopper June 4, 1965, (four males, one female) and October 7, 1965, (three males, one female) by S.P. Meyers. (ref. ID; 7632)