Deep-Sea Tardigrades from the North-Western Pacific, with Descriptions of Two New Species

Three deep-sea tardigrade species were identified from the sediment samples collected during four German–Russian joint cruises that conducted in North-Western Pacific: Coronarctus sonne sp. nov., Moebjergarctus okhotensis and Angursa cf. bicuspis. Specimens of those at depths between 1700 5410 m. The new nov. belongs to Cor. tenellus group on basis morphological traits such as short cephalic appendages heteromorphic claws. structure secondary clavae two points, with an accessory point a primary simultaneously internal external claws legs IV, are significant characteristics distinguishing other described species. is characterized by having cirri long smooth portion scapus annulated only basal portion, male female reproductive system, differences sizes some structures compared An analysis results expeditions indicates patchy distribution tardigrades Pacific.