A new Phrikoceros species (Polycladida: Cotylea) from Ghar El Melh lagoon (Tunisia) with some remarks on the morphology of the genera Phrikoceros and Thythosoceros

Abstract

We describe Phrikoceros jannetae sp. nov., a new cotylean polyclad species from Ghar El Melh lagoon, a natural seawater lagoon situated in the north of Tunisia. The new species is characterized by black spots on the dorsal surface in contrast to the white spotted dorsal colour pattern of its congeners. We provide some insights into the biology of this species including the plastic tentacle configuration and the variability of body form and outline within the same specimen. Phrikoceros jannetae sp. nov. was found among tunicates of the species Ciona intestinalis.