What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to describe a new species of Amphictene found in Okinawa, Japan, enhancing our understanding of marine biodiversity.

June 4, 2026Open Access

A new species of Amphictene (Annelida, Polychaeta, Pectinariidae) from sandy shore of Okinawa, Japan

Key Points

This research aims to describe a new species of Amphictene found in Okinawa, Japan, enhancing our understanding of marine biodiversity.
Descriptive study of a new Amphictene species, focusing on morphological characteristics.
Mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequencing conducted to provide genetic reference for the new species.
Identified Amphictene nakijin sp. nov. with specific morphological features including lobes and hooks.
Obtained 16S rRNA gene sequence to serve as a genetic reference for this species.

Abstract

We described here a new species of Amphictene (Annelida, Polychaeta, Pectinariidae) from the sandy shore of Kouri-jima, Nakijin, Okinawa, Japan. Amphictene nakijin sp. nov. is characterized by the following characters: an anterior dorsal lobe on segment 2; ventro-median lobes on segments 3–5; anterior conical or rounded lappets on the ventro-lateral lobe of segment 2; lateral ear-like lobes on segment 4; slender dorso-lateral pads on segments 3 and 4; an inflated ventro-lateral lobe on segment 6; 17 segments with notopodial chaetae and 13 segments bearing uncini on neuropodia; neuropodial uncini with 2–3 rows and 10–13 columns of teeth, with both distal and basal teeth small; 9–10 pairs of weakly curved scaphal hooks; and the scaphe that is deeply furrowed posteriorly and with a short anal flap. We also obtained a mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequence of this new species to serve as a reference for future studies.

Bookmark

View Full Paper