Abstract

Parapinnanema bableti sp. nov. is described from marine sediments from Polynesian coral reefs. Detailed information is given on the ultrastructure of the cuticle and the buccal cavity. Similar ultrastructures are observed in P. ritae sp. nov., a new species described from mangroves in Guadeloupe, and P. alii (Murphy), recorded in large numbers from the south-western lagoon in New Caledonia. P. rhipsoides sp. nov. is also described from the mangroves in Guadeloupe. The homogeneity of Parapinnanema is discussed.