Volumen 44 - Número 1: 131-136 | 2009
Article 

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First new Dodecaceria (Polychaeta: Cirratulidae) species from the SW Atlantic (38ºS - 57ºW, Argentina)

Rodolfo Elias^1*and María S. Rivero¹ 

¹Laboratorio de Bioindicadores Bentónicos, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas,Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Deán Funes 3350. B 7602 _ AYL,  Mar del Plata, Argentina

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Cirratulids are a difficult group because they have a few taxonomic characters and these are often misinterpreted. The genus Dodecaceria, in particular has been reviewed in several parts of the world but not in the southwestern Atlantic shore. The benthic surveys of organically enriched areas of Mar del Plata have shown the presence of several cirratulids species in relation to intermediate sewage-impacted areas. One of these cirratulids have been identified as a new species of Dodecaceria, characterized by a large number of pair of branchiae ranging 12 to 18, first pair arising between peristomium and first chaetiger and the second in the first chaetiger. Capillary chaetes are festooned in one side, spoonlike hooks of two types, one with smooth subdistal edges and the others not excavated; the pattern of capillaries and spoonshaped hooks in neuropodium is unique. The species is described, including draws and electronic photographs.

Key words: Polychaeta, taxonomy, cirratulids, SW Atlantic

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