Paragnomoxyala gen. nov. (Xyalidae, Monhysterida, Nematoda) from the East China Sea.

A new genus, Paragnomoxyala gen. nov., and a new species, Paragnomoxyala breviseta sp. nov. are described from the East China Sea. Paragnomoxyala gen. nov. is characterized by having large funnel-shaped buccal cavity with cuticularized walls and extended anteriorly; lips very high; striated cuticle; four cephalic setae, absence of outer labial setae; circular amphidial fovea; straight spicules and absence of gubernaculum; tail conico-cylindrical with three terminal setae; female monodelphic with an anterior outstretched ovary. It differs from similar genera by having a large buccal cavity unique in Xyalidae, straight spicules, lacking gubernaculum, and conico-cylindrical tail with terminal setae. Paragnomoxyala breviseta sp. nov. is characterized by having a large funnel-shaped buccal cavity, with cuticularized walls and extended anteriorly, 1.6-1.8 hd long and 63-79% cbd wide; four cephalic setae 3-4 µm long; circular amphids 6-9 µm in diameter; spicules straight but slightly bent at both ends; absence of gubernaculum and precloacal supplement.