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Family: Haploposthiidae
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: Subtidal, clean, coarse-grained, well-sorted sand and surrounded by Thalassia sp. Distribution: This new species was found on Isla Bastimentos in the region of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Natural History Notes: The new species Kuma blacki was named in honor of Prof. Steven D. Black of Reed College, Portland, Oregon, for his contribution to the M.H.D. project. Characteristics: The specimens collected measured in average 720µm long and 120µm wide. The anterior part of the body is rounded whereas the posterior end is narrower and blunt. The ciliated epidermis does not possess a distinguishable coloration, but the digestive syncytium has an orange coloration in transmitted light. A few rhabdoids are present in the body wall. The animal has well developed frontal organ and possesses a mouth that is located ventrally, on the anterior part of the body. The reproductive system consists of paired ovaries ventrally located that extend from the mouth and end posteriorly to the middle of the body and also paired testes located laterally to the ovary and that extend posteriorly to the middle of the body. Behind the ovary, the testes fuse to extend posteriorly to the seminal vesicle. The species lacks female gonopore, a vagina and a seminal bursa. |