Two new nematode species, Linhystera breviapophysis and L. longiapophysis (Xyalidae, Nematoda), from the East China Sea.

Two new species of free-living nematodes discovered from the sediments in the East China Sea are described: Linhystera breviapophysis sp. nov. and L. longiapophysis sp. nov. Both species possess a dorso-caudally directed gubernacular apophysis, which makes them distinctly different from the two already known species of Linhystera. Linhystera breviapophysis is characterized by a gubernacular apophysis about 3.3 μm long, the presence of a crown of cervical setae and a filiform tail. Linhystera longiapophysis is characterized by a prominent gubernacular apophysis about 10 μm long, sparse cervical setae and a long filiform tail. An emended diagnosis of Linhystera and a pictorial dichotomous key to the species are given. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]