Stachyops cf. sebparri Bird, 2012

Stachyops sebparri Bird (2012): 3 [possible synonym]

Material examined. Non-ov. ♀, 0.85 mm, AMS P.103245ex, SWP2017-137-3; specimen lost.

Distribution. Raoul Island, red algae, 9– 15 m.

Remarks. This tiny, single, nototanaid specimen appears to be morphologically similar to the New Zealand Stachyops sebparri, and is tentatively assigned to this species. It is smaller than the recorded NZ material and may be a post-manca juvenile. Additional specimens would be required to undertake a more detailed study of its identity. If the two taxa are synonymous, then this would be the first direct link between the tanaidacean faunas of the Kermadec group and New Zealand. Stachyops sebparri was found originally in the Cook Strait-Wellington area of the North Island of New Zealand (ibid) but more recent records are from the more northern and warmer Gisborne-Mahia region of the East Coast of New Zealand (Bird & Webber unpublished data). As yet unidentified Stachyops -like tanaids from the Fiji-Tonga portion of the SWP2017 material may provide further connections.