Morphology, Life History, and Significance of the Marine Gastrotrich, Chaetonotus testiculophorus n. sp.

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Abstract
Chaetonotus testiculophorus n. sp. is described as a new marine gastrotrich. Adult morphology (midpoint of longest size class, 11 individuals; measurements in micra): lengths[long dash]total 155, pharynx 40, furca 21; widths[long dash]head 44, neck 32, body 58. Head single-lobed. Spines simple, originating from imbricated flat ovoid scales. Scales 20-21 in each of 13-15 longitudinal rows. Pharynx with refractile cuticular cap. Hermaphroditic with bilobed seminal bursa posteromedially and paired sperm sacs just anterolateral to the bursa. Life history: egg one-third the length and two-thirds the body width of its parent, laid and attached to a sand grain; does not develop surface projections. Development within egg direct, typical bent body furca over head position being attained before hatching into juvenile, two-thirds the length of its parent. Habitat: upper 2 cm of intertidal sand, 91-107 cm (3-3. 5 ft) above mean low low tide level, Eagle Cove, San Juan Island, Washington. Population survives salinities down to 16% and temperatures up to 30 C, with densities as great as 30 per cc. Significance: thesis of marine origin for Gastrotricha further supported; similar origin for typically freshwater family Chaetonotidae suggested.

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