A new species of Pectinaria (Annelida, Pectinariidae), with a key to pectinariids from the South China Sea

Abstract

Abstract

Pectinariidae is a family of polychaetes building unique ice-cream cone shaped sandy tubes. Pectinaria torquata sp. n. ( Pectinariidae ) is described from the coastal waters of the northern South China Sea. This new species can be distinguished from all other 25 recognized species in the genus by a combination of characters: 16 chaetigers; 26–32 cirri in the cephalic veil; 11–12 pairs of cephalic spines; uncini with major teeth arranged in two rows, each with 7–8 major teeth; presence of a dorsal posterior lobe on segments 2 and 20; 4–5 pairs of curved scaphal hooks; and an anal flap with a crenulated margin. A key to all recognized pectinariids in the South China Sea is provided.