Two new ovoviviparous species of the family Selachinematidae and Sphaerolaimidae (Nematoda, Chromadorida & Monhysterida) from the northern South China Sea

Abstract

Two new ovoviviparous nematode species are described from South China Sea. Bendiella vivipara n. sp. belongs to the family Selachinematidae and is characterized by a cuticle with lateral differentiation of 2–4 longitudinal rows of dots, and the presence of 3 papillose precloacal supplements. Parasphaerolaimus jintiani n. sp. is characterized by a cuticle with lateral longitudinal unstriated band extending from about the middle of the pharynx to the anterior two-thirds of the tail and a vulva situated far posteriorly. The importance of ovoviviparity in free living marine nematodes is discussed.