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Family: Isodiametridae
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: Found in coarse-grained sand collected between coral heads at a water depth of 1-2 meters. Distribution: The new species was found in Boca del Drago on Isla Colon and on Islas Zapatillas, in the region of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Natural History Notes: This new species was named in the honor of Nick Mitchell-Hooge of Ashland, Oregon. Characteristics: The species measures around 350 µm long and 100 µm wide. The body is colorless under transmitted light but a green coloration of the digestive syncytium can de distinguished. Both anterior and posterior ends are rounded. The ciliated epidermis contains rhabdoid glands that are visible in longitudinal rows along the body and also contains chordoid vacuoles that are present at the anterior and posterior ends of the body. The frontal organ is well developed and includes the mouth opening on the ventral side and positioned in the middle of the body, frontal glands and a frontal pore. The reproductive system includes paired ovaries located ventrally that extend from the mouth to the seminal bursa and paired testes lateral to the ovaries and that extend posteriorly to the male copulatory organ. A common gonopore is present as well as a ciliated atrium, a vagina and a bursal nozzle. The penis has a c-shape and the penis, the sperm and the granules are invaginated into muscular seminal vesicle. |