DIOPATRA MAROCENSIS, A NEW BROODING SPECIES OF ONUPHIDAE (ANNELIDA, POLYCHAETA)

A new species, Diopatra marocensis, is described from the fine sand Ab ra alba community, Sidi Boulbra, south Moroccan Atlantic coast. The ne w species is a member of the D. cuprea complex and is characterized by having crescentic nuchal grooves, short ceratophores, a short branchi ate region, four pairs of modified parapodia with bidentate pseudocomp ound hooks, pectinate setae with 11-20 teeth, limbate setae with consp icuously serrated shelf, and subacicular hooks from setiger 13-15. Egg s of Diopatra marocensis sp. nov. are deposited in the parental tube, where they undergo direct development and remain until the young consi st of 32-34 setigers.