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Family: Isodiametridae
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: Fine-grained sand from 1 meter water depth. The species was found on the outer side of a reef. Distribution: This new species was found on Islas Zapatillas in the region of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Natural History Notes: The new species was named name cuernos whish means horns in Spanish, and refers to the shape of the gland hooks associated with the male copulatory organ. Characteristics: The species measures around 280 µm long and 110 µm wide. The body has a cylindrical form and both anterior and posterior ends are rounded. The body is mainly colorless, with the exception of the gut content that is green colored. The ciliated epidermis contains rhabdoid glands that are visible in longitudinal rows along the body. The frontal organ is well developed with the presence of a frontal pore, frontal glands and a mouth opening on the ventral side and located on the middle of the body. The body-wall musculature presents circular muscles, straight longitudinal muscles, longitudinal-cross-over muscles (present both ventrally and dorsally) and longitudinal muscles present in the anterior half of the body. As for the reproductive system, the species possesses paired ovaries located ventrally and that extend toward the seminal bursa. There are also paired testes positioned laterally to the ovaries that extend from the frontal glands to the male copulatory organ. There is also the presence of a common gonopore that opens to the atrium. A vagina is present. The penis is slightly curved and invaginated into a muscular seminal vesicle composed of circular and longitudinal fibers that are particularly thick on the ventral side. |