Loxosomatoides sirindhornae, new species, a freshwater kamptozoan from Thailand (Entoprocta)

Abstract

A new species of freshwater kamptozoan (Entoprocta) is described from the Mae Klong and Prachin Buri Rivers in central Thailand. This brings to two the number of known entoproct species occurring in fresh water. The new species, Loxosomatoides sirindhornae, grows as stolonate colonies; each diminutive zooid has a muscular, unsegmented stalk, and an obliquely oriented calyx. A well-formed hibernaculum originates from a short, lateral stolon at the base of certain zooids. The calyx bears a rigid shield with a conspicuous aboral carina extending along the entire length. Colonies have been found only in fully freshwater habitats and appear not to tolerate salinities higher than 1.0 ppt. © Springer 2005.