Trypanosyllis sp. 1

(Figs 7 A–E)

Material examined. AM W.44085, MI QLD 2352.

Remarks. This incomplete specimen possesses morphological similarities with Trypanosyllis aeolis Langerhans, 1879, from Australia (San Martín et al. 2008b), especially in the shape of the chaetae and aciculae (Figs 7 B–E). However, T. aeolis from Australia was described with a pale body and brown dorsal cirri, while the live specimen shown herein has a colouration consisting of three thin red transverse lines per segment, and bright orange distal tips of the dorsal cirri (Fig. 7 A). Preservation processes might explain these differences in the colour pattern, since San Martín et al. (2008b) described the species from preserved specimens. However, as only one anterior end was found from Lizard Island, we cannot conclude if this specimen completely agrees with T. aeolis and hereby refer to it as Trypanosyllis sp. until more complete specimens are available.

Habitat. Dead coral, sponges and algae, in intertidal to shallow waters. Distribution. Australia (Queensland).