A new species of the Marphysa sanguinea complex from French waters (Bay of Biscay, NE Atlantic) (Annelida, Eunicidae)

Abstract

A new species of Eunicidae, <i>Marphysa victori</i><b>sp. n.</b>, has been identified from Arcachon Bay, Bay of Biscay, NE Atlantic. This new species, belonging to the <i>sanguinea</i> complex, is characterised by branchiae with long filaments from chaetigers 26-34, the presence of four types of pectinate chaetae with first ones present from chaetiger 2, a large number of both pectinate chaetae and compound spinigers, and the pygidium with only one pair of pygidial cirri. An identification key for European species of the genus <i>Marphysa</i> is provided.