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Family: Isodiametridae
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: Subtidal sediment and clean, coarse-grained, well-sorted sand surrounded by Thalassia species. Distribution: This new species was found on Islas Zapatillas and Isla Bastimentos, in the region of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Natural History Notes: The species was named foramivora because of the presence of foraminifera found in the digestive syncytium of that species. Characteristics: This news species measures around 330-405 µm long and 100 µm wide. The body has a cylindrical shape and both anterior and posterior ends are rounded. The body is mainly colorless under transmitted light and the ciliated epidermis presents rhabdoid glands spread out on its surface. The frontal organ is present as well as frontal glands, the frontal pore and the mouth opening on the ventral surface and positioned in the middle of the body. The digestive syncytium contains foraminiferans. Chordoid vacuoles are also present and confer the body-vacuolated appearance. The reproductive system contains paired ovaries, extending posteriorly to the seminal bursa and also paired testes lateral to the ovaries and that extend from the frontal organ to the male copulatory organ. A common gonopore is present and opens to an unciliated atrium. A vagina is present and the penis is small, muscular and glandular and is invaginated into a muscular seminal vesicle. |