New distributional records of free-living marine nematodes from Indian waters II. Monhysterids

Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Science Vol. 45(2), February 2016 pp. 342-351 New distributional records of free-living marine nematodes from Indian waters II. Monhysterids K.G.M.T. Ansari*, P.S. Lyla & S. Ajmal Khan Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences Annamalai University, Parangipettai 608 502, Tamil Nadu, India *[E-mail: ansari.cas@gmail.com] Received 25 July 2014; revised 23 September 2014 Monhysterids were found to be the second most dominant order among the free-living marine nematodes which were collected from the continental shelf region of southeast coast of India during FORV Sagar Sampada Cruise no. 260 consisting 63 out of 192 species. Among these nine species such as Thalassomonhystera venusta, Cobbia trefusiaeformis, Theristus ensifer, T. longus, Sphaerolaimus balticus, S. gracilis, Astomonema southwardorum, Siphonolaimus cobbi and Araeolaimus elegans were found to be new distributional records for the Indian waters. [Key words: Free-living marine nematodes, Monhysterids, continental shelf, India] Introduction Meiobenthic organisms occupies major component in benthic realm because it s higher abundance and fast turnover rats 1. While within the meiobenthic community free-living marine nematodes inhabit the top most position due to their higher density (60-90%) of total meiobenthic population 2,3. Nevertheless an importance of parasitic nematodes has been recognized for many decades, this is not the case for free-living marine nematodes, especially those of marine environments 4,5. Important features of free-living marine nematodes are the large number of species present in any habitat 6 ; short life span, high fecundity 7 (Vranken and Heip, 1983), having several tropic levels 8 and able to culture easily at least some species 4. Generally free-living marine nematodes are very small in structure and taxonomically difficult to distinguish species level 9,10. Although the nematodes comprise a large fraction of marine benthic communities, to date only few studies have been undertaken on qualitative and quantitative aspects of meiobenthos in Indian waters 1,3,11-16. As for as nematode taxonomy concerns, only little information is available in the Indian waters 10,12,17-23. In this backdrop the present study was undertaken on the free-living marine nematodes of the southeast continental shelf region and this paper describes new distributional records of nine nematode species belonging to order Monhysterida. Materials and methods The samples were collected from seven latitudinal transects (from north to south) Singarayakonda, Tammenapatanam, Chennai, Cheyyur, Cuddalore SIPCOT, Parangipettai and Karaikkal at different depths (30-50m, 51-75m, 76-100m, 101-150m, 151-175m and >176m) in southeast continental shelf of India. The sampling extends latitude from 10º 34.03' to 15º 14.48' N and longitude from 79º 52.13' to 80º 53.87'E sediments were collected for meiofaunal and nematode analysis. Sampling was done during Cruise No. 260 of FORV Sagar Sampada (from 7 th to 28 th December 2008). Two sediment samples were collected using a Smith McIntyre grab (having a bite area of 0.2m 2 ) at each depth range. Immediately after the grab was hauled to the deck, sub-samples were taken from undisturbed grab samples using a glass corer (having an internal diameter of 2.5 cm and a length of 15 cm) from the middle of grab sample 24. Samples were fixed in buffered formalin at a concentration of 4%. Replicate core samples were processed separately in the laboratory and data were pooled for analyses. Samples were washed through a set of 0.5 mm

ANSARI et al. NEMATODES FROM INDIAN WATERS 343 and 0.053 mm sieves. Sediment retained in the 0.053 mm sieve was decanted to extract meiofauna following the standard method proposed by Pfannakuche and Thiel 25. Sorting of meiofauna from sediment was done by flotation technique. The efficiency of this technique is around 95% 26. Sorting and enumeration were carried out under a stereomicroscope (Meiji, Japan) followed by thee sorted nematodes were mounted onto glass slides, using the formalin- of ethanol-glycerol method 27. Identification nematodes was done to the lowest taxonomic level possible using the compound microscope (Olympus CX 41 under higher magnification of 1000x) following the standard pictorial keys 24,28-30. Results In southeast continental shelf of India, authors 1,16 reported 192 species belonging to 96 genera and 33 families. Among the identified nematodes species, Monhysterida (63 species) is second largest order after order Chromadorida (91 species) remaining 34 and 4 species were coming under Enoplida and Trefussida respectively. Overall 63 species belonging to 21 genera and 7 families were recorded in Monhysterida order, among these nine species (Thalassomonhystera venusta -Monhysteridae; Cobbia trefusiaeformis, Theristus ensifer, T. longus -Xyalidae; Sphaerolaimus balticus, S. gracilis - Sphaerolaimidae; Astomonema southwardourm, Siphonolaimus cobbi - Siphonolaimidae and Araeolaimus eleganss -Diplopeltidae) were found to be new distributional records for the Indian waters. Detailed systematic account, material examined (number of specimens, place of collection, depth range and date of collection), brief description, feeding type, habitat and geographical distribution besides remarks of the above nine species are given below. 1. Thalassomonhystera venusta(lorenzen, 1979) Family : Xyalidae Chitwood, 1951 Genus : Thalassomonhystera Species : Thalassomonhystera venusta (Lorenzen, 1979) Material examined: 3 males collected at Cheyyur 76-100m and 101-150m depths (18.12.2008). Male :80.14±0.08 10.28± ±0.13 14.03±0.09 (80.07-80.22)(10.20-10.43)(13.94-14.12) Body length 0.9-1.2mm.Maximum diameter 21-27µm. Cuticle smooth.12 equal length of cephalic setae (6-7µm). Scarce cervical setae (6-8µm long). Amphids circular (7-9µ µm). Simple conical buccal cavity and the oesophagus without posterior bulb (78-124µm). Tail conico- 23-32µm slender, cylindrical (6-8a.b.d.). Spicules proximally cephalate. Gubernaculum strongly cuticularised with two very indistinct caudal apophysis (Fig.1). Feeding type: The specimens showed large buccal cavity with small teeth but not armed. According to the buccal cavity classification by Wieser 31, this species is a non-selective deposit feeder (1B). India: Cheyyur. Elsewhere: Netherland 32 ; England 29 ; English Channel, European waters and North Sea 32. Fig.1. Thalassomonhystera venusta head, C) male tail A) entire male B) male to the earlier description of Warwick et al. 29 except for the larger body size. The total body length described was 0.5mmm and tail length 7.5a.b.d. The body length of the specimen studied at larger being 0.9-1.2mm and the tail length 6-8a.b.d. This is the first record from Indian waters.

344 INDIANN J. MAR. SCI. VOL. 45, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 2016 2. Cobbia trefusiaeformis De Man, 1907 Family : Xyalidae Chitwood, 1951 Genus : Cobbia De Man, 1907 Species : Cobbia trefusiaeformis De Man, 1907 Material examined: Single male collected at Parangipettai 30-50m depth (19.12.2008). Male : 68.30 9.08 10.14 Body length 1.6mm. Maximum diameter 24µm. Cuticle transversely striated. Short labial setae (4µm).Six long (20-22µm) and four short (14-17µm) cephalic setae and two finer and shorter lateral setae (4µm).Six cervical setae (3-4µm) between cephalic setae and amphids. Large circular amphids (4µm). Buccal cavity conical with three poorly cuticularised teeth. Elongated oesophagus (176µm) but has no distinct bulb. Tail conical for first quarter, then filiform (7.9a.b.d.). Spicules 29µm with a lateral spine at the dorsal end. Gubernaculum lightly cuticularised. Minute precloacal spine (Fig.2). Feeding type: The specimen showed buccal cavity armed with small teeth. According to the buccal cavity classification by Wieser 31, this species is an epigrowth feeder (2A). India: Parangipettai. Elsewhere: England 29 ; Norway, Kattegatt Kieler Buchat and Zuidersee 32. to the earlier description of Warwick et al. 29 except for the smaller body size. The total body length described was 1.6-1.7mm and tail length 12-17a.b.d. The body length of the specimen studied was found larger being 1.6mm and the tail length 7.9 a.b.d. This is the first record from Indian waters. Fig. 2. Cobbia trefusiaeformis A) entire male B) male head, C) male tail 3. Theristus ensifer Gerlach, 1951 Phylum : Nematoda Rudolphi, 1808 Order : Monhysterida Filipjev, 1929 Family : Xyalidae Chitwood, 1951 Genus : Theristus Bastian, 1865 Species :Theristus ensifer Gerlach, 1951 Material examined: 3 males and 1 female collected at Tammenapatanam 76-100m (16.12.2008) and Cuddalore SIPCOT 30-50m depths (19.12.2008). Male : 41.76±0.11 4.75±0.12 7.55±0.16 (41.68-41.89) (4.67-4.89) (7.41-7.72) Female : 38.05 4..90 7.68 Body length 1.7-1.9mm in male and 1.7mm in female. Maximum diameter 39-46µm in male and 45µm in female. Cuticle transversely striated. Six longer (12-16µm) and four shorter (6-12µm) cephalic setae. Somatic setaee sparse and short. Large circular amphids (8-10µm). Buccal cavity unarmed simply conical with three poorly cuticularised teeth. Elongated oesophagus (348-372µm in male and 349µm in female) but has no distinct bulb. Tail (7.1-7.7a.b.d.in male and 7.2a.b.d. in female), with a cylindrical dorsal quarter which is not swollen at the tip, nor are there any terminal setae. Spicules 35-44µm measured as curve, more strongly cephalate proximally. Gubernaculum with prominent triangular dorsal apophysis. Ovaries paired, equal, opposed and reflexed. Vulva present at 62% of body length (Fig.3).

ANSARI et al. NEMATODES FROM INDIAN WATERS 345 Fig.3. Theristus ensifer A) entire male B) entire female, C) male head, D) female head, E) male tail, F) female tail Feeding type: The specimens showed large buccal cavity with teeth but not armed. According to the buccal cavity classification by Wieser 31, this species is a non-selective deposit feeder (1B). India: Tammenapatanam and Cuddalore SIPCOT. Elsewhere: England 29 ; European waters 33 and North Sea 32. except for the larger body size. The total body length described was 1.2mm and tail length 6-6.5a.b.d. The body length of the specimen studied was found larger being 1.7-1.9mm and the tail length 7.1-7.7a.b.d. in male and in female 1.7mm body length and tail length 7.2a.b.d.. This is the first record from Indian waters. 4. Theristus longus Platt, 1973 Family : Xyalidae Chitwood, 1951 Genus : Theristus Bastian, 1865 Species :Theristus longus Platt, 1973 Fig. 4. Theristus longus A) entire male B) male head, C) male tail, D) entire female, E) female head, F) female tail Material examined: 14 males and 9 females collected at Singarayakonda 51-75m, 101-150m (15.12.2008); Tammenapatanam 76-100m (16.12.2008); Chennai 101-150m (17.12.2008) and Karaikkal 30-50m, 101-150m depths (20.12.2008). Male : 82.19±0.67 14.03±0.23 6.08±0.28 (81.56-82.88) (13.78-14.28) (5.77-6.29) Female : 77.62±0.44 12.98±0.24 6.87±0.21 (77.20-78.04) (12.69-13.36) (6.54-7.04) Body length 1.5-1.8mm in male and 1.7-2.1mm in female. Maximum diameter 19-26µm in male and 21-27µm in female. Cuticle transversely striated. Six longer (8-12µm) and four shorter (4-6µm) cephalic setae. Somatic setae fine (4-8µm). Large circular amphids (3-4µm in diameter). Buccal cavity unarmed simply conical with three poorly cuticularised teeth. Elongated oesophagus (125-142µm in male and 134-154µm in female) but has no distinct bulb. Tail (13.6-15.1a.b.d.in male and 14.5-15.3a.b.d. in female), with a cylindrical dorsal quarter which is not swollen at the tip. Spicules 22-34µm strongly cephalate proximally. Gubernaculum with lightly cuticlarised, two dorsal hooks, no apophysis. Ovaries paired, equal, opposed and reflexed. Vulva present at 59-61% of body length (Fig. 4). Feeding type: The specimens showed large buccal cavity that is not armed with teeth. According to the classification of buccal cavity by Wieser 31, this species is a non-selective deposit feeder (1B).

346 INDIANN J. MAR. SCI. VOL. 45, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 2016 Habitat: Sandy and silty sediments. India: Singarayakonda, Tammenapatanam, Chennai and Karaikkal. Elsewhere: North Ireland 32 ; England 29 ; European waters 34 and Cornwall coast 32. except for the larger body size. The total body length described was 0.9-1.1mm and tail length 7.5-9a.b.d. The body length of the specimen studied was found larger being 1.5-1..8mm and the tail length 13.6-15.1a.b.d. in male and in female 1.7-2.1mm body length and tail length 14.5-15.3a.b.d. This is the first record from Indian waters. dilation. Spicules 74-86µm, distally slender with the proximal quarter dilated. Gubernaculum with a single dorsal hook-shaped apophysis (Fig. 5). 5. Sphaerolaimus balticus Schneider, 1906 Family : Sphaerolaimidae Filipjev, 1918 Genus : Sphaerolaimus Bastian, 1865 Species : Sphaerolaimus balticus Schneider, 1906 Synonym: Sphaerolaimus bretonicus Kreis, 1929 :Sphaerolaimus ditlevseni Kreis, 1924 :Sphaerolaimus gracilis Stekhoven, 1929 :Sphaerolaimus hirsutus Allgen, 1933 Material examined: 4 males collected from Chennai 51-75m, 101-150m (17.12.2008) and Karaikkal 51-75m, 101-150m depths (20.12.2008). Male :23.71±0.15 4.64±0.32 7.62±0.19 (23.51-23.86) (4.17-4.89) (7.41-7.84) Body length 1.2-1.6mm. Maximum diameter 54-56 µm. Cuticle with faint transverse striations which are not always visible. Six small labial papillae. Six short (3-5µm) and four long (6-9µm) cephalic setae. Eight groups of subcephalic setae situated between cephalic setae and amphids. Cervical setae in eight files. Somatic setae short and scattered. Circular amphids (5-8µm in diameter). Buccal cavity with alternating heavily and weakly punctated areas. Oesophagus (312-336 µm) widens posteriorly, but has no distinct bulb. Tail (4.6-5.1a.b.d.) conical except for the last fifth, which is cylindrical with a terminal Fig.5. Sphaerolaimus balticus A) entire male B) male head, C) male tail Feeding type: The specimens showed large teeth. According to the classification of buccal cavity by Wieser 31, this species is a predator (2B). India: Chennai and Karaikkal.. Elsewhere: Limfjorden 32 ; England 29 ; European waters 33 ; France Channel, Finland, Kieler Buchat, Skagerrak, Oresund, Kattegatt and Zuidersee 32. except for the smaller body size. The total body length described was 1.6-1.8mm and tail length 3.2-3.9a.b.d. The body length of the specimen studied was found smaller being 1.2-1.6mm and the tail length 4.6-5.1a.b.d. This is the first record from Indian waters. 6. Sphaerolaimus gracilis De Man, 1884 Phylum : Nematoda Rudolphi, 1808 Order : Monhysterida Filipjev, 1929 Family : Sphaerolaimidae Filipjev, 1918 Genus : Sphaerolaimus Bastian, 1865 Species :Sphaerolaimus gracilis De Man, 1884

ANSARI et al. NEMATODES FROM INDIAN WATERS 347 Synonym:Sphaerolaimus demani Filipjev, 1922 :Sphaerolaimus setosus Paramonov, 1927 :Sphaerolaimus buetschilii Schulz, 1932 :Sphaerolaimus hirsutus Butschli, 1874 Material examined: 3 males collected at Karaikkal 30-50m and 101-150m depths (20.12.2008). India: Karaikkal. Elsewhere: England 29 ; European waters 33 ; North Sea 32,35 ; Belgium, Boulthnian Bay, Kieler Buchat and Zuidersee 32 ; Mediterranean and Black Sea 32,35. except for the smaller body size. The total body length described was 1.3-1.7mm and tail length 3.2-3.9a.b.d. The body length of the specimen studied was found smaller being 1.2-1.5mm and the tail length 3.2-3.6.b.d. This is the first record from Indian waters. Fig. 6. Sphaerolaimus gracilis A) entire male B) male head, C) male tail Male : 22.12±0.18 3.87±0.28 8.92±0.22 (21.93-22.28) (3.56-4.12) (8.71-9.14) Body length 1.2-1.5mm.. Maximum diameter 55-61µm. Cuticle with faint transverse striations which are not always visible. Six small labial papillae. Six short (3-5µm) and four long (6-9µm) cephalic setae. Few subcephalic setae per group. Cervical setae in eight files. Somatic setae short and scattered. Circular amphids (4-6µm in diameter) situated well behind the buccal cavity. Buccal cavity more evenly punctated. Oesophagus (336-349 µm) widens posteriorly, but has no distinct bulb. Tail (3.2-3.6.b.d.) conical except for the last fifth, which is cylindrical with a terminal dilation. Spicules 83-96µm, measured as a curve, open ended proximally. Gubernaculum (39-44µm), in three sections, the proximal one hooked (Fig. 6). Feeding type: The specimens showed large teeth. According to the classification of buccal cavity by Wieser 31, this species is a predator (2B). 7. Astomonema southwardorum Austen, Warwick & Ryan, 1993 Phylum : Nematoda Rudolphi, 1808 Order : Monhysterida Filipjev, 1929 Family : Sphaerolaimidae Filipjev, 1918 Genus : Astomonema Ott, Rieger, Rieger & Edderes, 1982 Species : Astomonema southwardorum Austen, Warwick & Ryan, 1993 Material examined: 4 males and 2 females collected at Singarayakonda 30-50m depth (15.12.2008). Male : 78.31±0.10 6.31±0.22 36.75±1.42 (78.22-78.44) (6.12-6.6) (35.34-38.12) Female : 68.64-69.12 7.01-7.16 32.12-32.77 Body length 3.9-4.5mm in male and 3.8-4.0mm in female. Maximum diameter 58-72µm in male and 61-68µm in female. Cuticle finely striated. Head rounded with six short (1-2µm) and four long (2-4µm) square-ended papillae, the two short lateral papillae in displaced slightly anterior to the remaining circle of eight. Amphids circular (8-10µm in diameter). Mouth opening, Buccal cavity, oesophagus absent. Tail conical (2.2-2.5a.b.d. in male and 2.4-2..6a.b.d. in female). Spicules 32-38µm, paired, equal, curved with pointed distal tip. Gubernaculum with dorsocaudally directed apophysis (22-30µm long).one paired subventral precloacall papilla and two paired subventral postcloacal papillae. Ovaries paired, equal, opposed and reflexed. Vulva present at 49-51% of body length (Fig. 7).

348 INDIANN J. MAR. SCI. VOL. 45, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 2016 Male: 50.07-50.68 7.68-6.92 26.76-27.06 Body length 1.5-1.6mm. Maximum diameter 30-32µm. Cuticle finely striated. Head rounded with four long (12-14µm); four submedian (6-7-14µm); two lateral (7-8µm) cephalicc setae and six (6-8µm) subcephalic setae can be seen. Somatic setae sparse, mainly confined to tail. Amphids circular (10-12µm in diameter). Tail conical with short cylindrical tip (1.9-2.2a.b.d.). Spicules 38-40µm, curved with straight proximal cephalization. Gubernaculum with a dorso- caudally directed apophysis (20-23µm long).three setose precloacal supplements (Fig. 8). Fig. 7. Astomonema southwardorum A) entire male B) male head, C) female head, D) entire female, E) male tail, F) female tail Feeding type: The specimens showed a narrow tubular buccal cavity. According to the buccal cavity classification by Wieser 31, this species is a selective deposit feeder (1A). Habitat: Silty sediments. India: Singarayakonda. Elsewhere: West Scotland 32 ; England 29 and European waters 32. except for the larger body size. The total body length described was 3-4.2mm and tail length 2.9-3.7a.b.d. The body length of the specimen studied was found larger being 3.9-4.5mm and the tail length 2.2-2.5a.b.d. in male and in female 3.8-4mm body length and 2.4-2.6a.b.d. tail length. This is the first record from Indian waters. 8. Siphonolaimus cobbi Riemann, 1966 Family : Sphaerolaimidae Filipjev, 1918 Genus : Siphonolaimus De Man, 1893 Species : Siphonolaimus cobbi Riemann, 1966 Material examined: 2 males collected at Chennai 76-100m (17.12.2008) and Parangipettai 101-150m depths (19.12.2008). Fig. 8. Siphonolaimus cobbi A) entire male B) male head, C) male tail Feeding type: The specimens showed large teeth. According to the classification of buccal cavity by Wieser 31, this species is a predator (2B). India: Chennai and Parangipettai. Elsewhere: England 29 ; European waters 33 and Helgoland 32. except for the smaller body size. The total body length described was 4.1mmm and tail length 3.4a.b.d. The body length of the specimen studied was found smaller being 1.5-1.6mm and the tail length 1.9-2.2a.b.d. This is the first record from Indian waters.

ANSARI et al. NEMATODES FROM INDIAN WATERS 349 9. Araeolaimus elegans De Man, 1888 Family : Diplopeltidae Filipjev, 1918 Genus : Araeolaimus De Man, 18888 Species : Araeolaimus elegans De Man, 1888 Synonym: Araeolaimus ditlevseni Allgen, 1932 :Araeolaimus dolichoposthis Ssaweljev, 1912 :Coinonema punctatum Cobb, 1920 :Araeolaimus spectabilis Ditlevsen, 1921 : Araeolaimus tristis Allgen, 1931 Fig. 9. Araeolaimus elegans A) entire male B) male head, C) female head, D) entire female, E) male tail, F) emale tail Material examined: 5 males and 2 females collected at Tammenapatanam 30-50m, 101-150m (16.12.2008) and Chennai 30-50m, 51-75m depths (17.12.2008). Male : 71.32±0.19 12.24±0.144 11.68±0.20 (71.10-71.58)(11.99-12.34)(11.44-11.89) Female : 68.48-69.92 11.92-12.022 12.14-12.42 Body length 1.9-2.1mm in male and 1.7-2.2mm in female. Maximum diameter 25-37 µm in male and 26-28µm in female. Cuticle striations first detectable at level of amphids. Six minute cephalic papillae. Four 3µm cephalic setae. Numerous somatic setae in oesophageal region, becoming shorter and less numerous posterior to the median oesophageal bulb. Loop-shaped amphids (8-12µm in diameter) appearing as a spiral of 1.5 turns. Buccal cavity conical, lined with thicker cuticle than that of the oesophageal lumen. Oesophagus with a prominent bulb (175-202µm), terminating in a rather weak swelling. Tail conical (4.6-5.4a.b.d. in male and 5.2-6a.b.d. in female). Spicules 30-42µm as curve, strongly bent. Gubernaculum with broad rounded apophysis. Two ovaries. Vulva present at 52-54% of body length (Fig. 9). Feeding type: The specimenss showed a narrow tubular buccal cavity. According to the buccal cavity classification by Wieser 31, this species is a selective deposit feeder (1A). Habitat: Sandy and silty sediments. India: Tammenapatanam and Chennai. Elsewhere: Helgoland, Barents Sea and Spitsbergen 32 ; England 29 ; European waters 33 ; Belgium, Kieler Buchat, Skagerrak, Belt Sea, Oresund, Kattegatt and Mediterranean 32. except for the longer body size. The total body length described was 1.1-1.2mm and tail length 3.2-5.6a.b.d. The body length of the specimen studied was found longer being 1.9-2.1mm and the tail length 4.6-5.4a.b.d. in male and in female 1.7-2.2mm body length and tail length 5.2-6a.b.d. This is the first record from Indian waters. Discussion In the present study, Thalassomonhystera venusta, Cobbia trefusiaeformis, Theristus ensifer, T. longus, Sphaerolaimus balticus, S. gracilis, Astomonema southwardorum, Siphonolaimus cobbi and Araeolaimus elegans of free-living marine nematodes belonging to order Monhysterida were reported for the first time in Indian waters from the continental shelf region (southeast coast of India). So far, 225 species of nematodes have been reported from various regions including estuaries, backwaters, lagoons and mangroves on the east and west coasts of India 13-23,36-40. Sajan and Damodaran 14 reported 154 species in the western continental shelf of India. Nevertheless none of these nine species from order Monhysterida have been reported earlier from Indian waters. Therefore, these new recorded species might be useful in future studies especially in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies and ecotaxicology studies of Indian waters.

350 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI. VOL. 45, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 2016 Acknowledgements Authors are thankful to Prof. K. Kathiresan, Dean and Director, Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology for the encouragement and the University authorities for the facilities. The authors are also thankful to the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Kochi, Government of India, for helping us with dedicated cruises for collection of benthic samples and financial assistance. References 1. Ansari, K.G.M.T., Manokaran, S., Raja, S., Lyla, P.S & Ajmal Khan, S., Checklist of nematodes (Nematoda: Adenophorea) from southeast continental shelf of India, Checklist, 8(3) (2012a) 414 420. 2. Armenteros, M., Ruiz-Abierno, A., Fernandez- Garces, R., Perez-Garcıa, J.A., Diaz-Asencio, L., Vincx, M. & Decraemer, W., Biodiversity patterns of free-living marine nematodes in a tropical bay: Cienfuegos, Caribbean Sea. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci., 85 (2010) 179 189. 3. 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