No abstract

Long-bodied polynoids, like Polyeunoa laevis McIntosh, 1885 and similar species which are often associated with cold-water corals, are regularly reported from Antarctic, Subantarctic and adjacent cold-temperate waters. The taxonomy ofthese species is confused and has been subject to various discussions in the past. For the revision presented here weexamined the available type material and additional specimens of the following species: Polynoe antarctica Kinberg,1858, Polyeunoa laevis McIntosh, 1885, Enipo rhombigera Ehlers, 1908, Hololepidella flynni Benham, 1921, Polyeunoedubia Hartmann-Schröder, 1965, Polyeunoa monroi Averincev, 1978, and Polynoe thouarellicola Hartmann-Schröder,1989. As a result we consider Polyeunoa laevis McIntosh, 1885, Parapolyeunoa flynni (Benham, 1921) n. comb., andNeopolynoe antarctica (Kinberg, 1858) n. comb. as valid species. Enipo rhombigera Ehlers, 1908, Polyeunoe dubiaHartmann-Schröder, 1965, and Polynoe thouarellicola Hartmann-Schröder, 1989 are junior synonyms of Polyeunoalaevis. Polyeunoa monroi Averincev, 1978 is a junior synonym of Hololepidella flynni Benham, 1921 for which the newgenus Parapolyeunoa n. gen. is erected. Polynoe antarctica Kinberg, 1858 is transferred to the genus NeopolynoeLoshamn, 1981 and represents the third known species within this genus. Three comprehensive tables illustrating the distinctive characters of the considered genera and species are given to facilitate the identification of the valid species.Keywordstaxonomy, Polyeunoa, Parapolyeunoa n. gen., Neopolynoe, Southern Ocean, SOAP workshop, cold-water corals

The type material and original descriptions of 126 nominal species from the Northeast Atlantic originally described as belonging to Harmothoe Kinberg, 1856 or later referred to this genus were examined. Of these species, only 28 are considered to be valid, i.e. less than 25 %, the others being either junior synonyms, indeterminable, invalid, or referred to other genera. The valid species are described and figured, including two new species, H. fernandi n. sp. and H. mariannae n. sp. For H. extenuata (Grube, 1840), H. imbricata (Linnaeus, 1767), and H. impar (Johnston, 1839), neotypes are designated, since their type material is lost and their original descriptions are insufficient. Harmothoe aequespina (Langerhans, 1884) and H. clavigera (M. Sars, 1863) represent new combinations. An illustrated identification key to all valid Harmothoe species of the region is given.

Examination of all species previously referred to the genus Hermadion revealed that the type species, H. magalhaensi Kinberg, 1856, is the only valid species in the genus. H. magalhaensi is redescribed and its synonymy with Hermadion longicirratus Kinberg, 1856, Hermadion kerguelensis McIntosh, 1885, and Lagisca laevis Hartmann-Schröder, 1962, is discussed. The generic attribution of 12 species that had already been moved from Hermadion to other genera by earlier authors is confirmed. Following our re-examination four species are moved to other genera: Harmothoe ornatus (Hartman, 1967) n. comb., Harmothoe africanus (Hartman, 1974) n. comb., Adyte hyalina (G.O. Sars, 1873) n. comb., and Neopolynoe acanellae (Verrill, 1881) n. comb., are redescribed. Due to lack of type material and insufficient descriptions Hermadion sabatieri Darboux, 1900, and H. fauveli Gravier, 1918 are considered indeterminable polynoids. Hermadion fugax Giard, 1890 is a nomen nudum, because a formal description has never been published. The generic diagnosis of Hermadion is emended and the validity of Hermadionella Uschakov, 1982 is confirmed. An identification key and synoptic tables of characters are provided for all genera considered here.

During a recent cruise to investigate the cold-water coral habitats in the eastern Gulf of Mexico seven scale worm species (Polychaeta: Aphroditiformia) were found, with four of them new to science:Laetmonice tunicatasp. nov. (Aphroditidae);Eunoe purpureaTreadwell, 1936,Gorgoniapolynoe caeciliae(Fauvel, 1913),Harmothoe dannyisp. nov.,Harmothoe cedricisp. nov. andSubadyte campechensissp. nov. (Polynoidae); andLeanira robustaVerrill, 1885 (Sigalionidae). An extended taxonomic account is given for all species, with detailed descriptions and figures for the new species. Three of the five polynoid species were found associated with a coral host:E. purpureawithBathypathescf.alternataBrook, 1898 (Antipatharia);G. caeciliaewithAcanthogorgia armataVerrill, 1878 andCandidella imbricata(Johnson, 1862) (Octocorallia) andH. dannyisp. nov. withStylaster erubescensPourtalès, 1868 (Hydrozoa). These associations are characterized in detail and documented byin situROV pictures and microscopic images and videos of the live animals, together with their respective host.