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Family: Isodiametridae
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: Subtidal, clean, coarse-grained, well sorted sand surrounded by Thalassia species. Distribution: The new species was found on Isla Bastimentos in the region of Bocas del Toro, Panama. Natural History Notes: This new species was named after the locality where the species was encountered, Bocas del Toro, Panama. Characteristics: This new species measures around 450-550 µm long and 115 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 irregularly aligned in longitudinal rows. The frontal organ is present as well as frontal glands, a frontal pore and the mouth opening on the ventral surface is positioned in the middle of the body. Chordoid vacuoles are also present especially at the posterior half of the animal and confer it a 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 single gonopore is present and opens directly to the muscular, glandular penis. The tip of the penis is caudally curved and is invaginated into a seminal vesicle that has the same shape than the penis. The space between the seminal vesicle and the penis is filled by sperm. |