A NEW NEMATODE FAMILY FUSIVERMIDAE FAM-N (MONHYSTERIDA) FOR FUSIVERMIS-FERTILIS GEN-N, SP-N FROM THE WHITE-SEA

Fusivermis fertilis gen.n., sp.n, is described and a new family Fusive rmidae is proposed for its reception. Specimens were found in the uppe r sublittoral sediments of the White Sea. The new taxon is characteriz ed by a fusiform body, finely cross-striated cuticle, 10 short cephali c setae, circular amphid, minute stoma, muscular oesophagus with poste rior widening, excretory pore located behind the nerve ring, paired ou tstretched ovaries, paired testes, short spicules, gubernaculum withou t an apophysis, conical tail with a terminal spinneret. Relationships of the new family with taxa Monhysteroidea, Diplopeltidae and Linhomoe idae are discussed.