Sipadanomolgus dissimilis gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and a new species of Rhynchomolgidae (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) collected by light trap in the marine cave (Turtle Tomb) of Sipadan Island, Sabah, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1109.3340
Keywords: new genus, Lichomolgoidea, marine cave, Turtle Tomb, Sipadan, Southeast Asia

Abstract

A new species of the copepod lichomolgoid complex is described from a male specimen collected in a marine cave (Turtle Tomb) on Sipadan Island, Sabah, Malaysia. The new species is assigned to the family Rhynchomolgidae Humes & Stock, 1972 based primarily on the morphology of the antenna, mandible, maxilla, and endopods of swimming legs 1 and 3. The distinctive configuration of the mandible, male antennule, and third swimming leg supports the establishment of a new genus, Sipadanomolgus gen. nov., to accommodate the new species. Sipadanomolgus dissimilis gen. et sp. nov. is named in reference to its distinctive morphology, particularly the unique combination of antennular setation and swimming leg 3 armature, which distinguishes it from other genera of Rhynchomolgidae.

References

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Published
2026-10-20
How to Cite
Boonyanusith, C., Wongkamhaeng, K., & Azman, bin A. R. (2026). Sipadanomolgus dissimilis gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and a new species of Rhynchomolgidae (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) collected by light trap in the marine cave (Turtle Tomb) of Sipadan Island, Sabah, Malaysia. European Journal of Taxonomy, 1109(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1109.3340
Issue
Vol. 1109 (2026)
Section
Research article

Copyright (c) 2026 Chaichat Boonyanusith, Koraon Wongkamhaeng, bin Abdul Rahim Azman

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