Description of adults and larvae of a new deep water species ofHyalinoecia(Polychaeta, Onuphidae) from the Southeastern Pacific Ocean

Abstract

A new species of onuphid polychaete, Hyalinoecia araucana sp. nov., has been collected from the Southeastern Pacific Ocean continental slope off Central Chile (37°37′5 S: 73°55′6 W), at a depth of nearly 600 metres. Some adults carried larvae in their tubes. Approximately 53 larvae were carried per worm. Development is direct, with these larvae, ranging from the early 3-setiger stage to more advanced 13-setiger forms. The larvae exhibit distinct differences in setal and maxillary structure from that found in adults. Description of adults and larvae are presented along with comments on related forms.