A new species of the genus Mesacanthion Filipjev, 1927 was discovered during a survey of natural beaches of Jeju Island in South Korea. The new species Mesacanthion jejuensis sp. nov. shares general morphology of the genus such as the outer labial and cephalic setae being situated at the middle of cephalic capsule, well-developed mandibles with two columns united by a curved bar, and three equally sized and shaped teeth shorter than the mandibles. The new species belongs to a group of Mesacanthion species in which spicules are shorter than two anal body diameters. The new species is most closely related to M. pannosum, first discovered in Puget Sound, Washington, in terms of having enlarged cervical setae flap at the end of cephalic capsule, spicules which are shorter than 2 anal body diameter, both supplementary organ and gubernaculum. It can be distinguished from M. pannosum by its stronger inner labial setae, longer outer labial setae, and difference in the index value of b and c'. Along with the description of Mesacanthion jejuensis sp. nov., the genus Mesacanthion Filipjev, 1927 is bibliographically reviewed and revised. Including the new species, a total of 48 species are described within the genus; 39 which are valid; eight which are considered to be species inquirenda due to misplacement of genus and poor description; one which is considered nomen nudum. An updated diagnosis of the genus is provided along with a compiled tabular key comparing different diagnostic morphological characters of all valid species, as well as a pictorial key consisting of 21 species with spicules shorter than two anal body diameters.
Keywords: Free-living marine nematodes; Meiofauna; Taxonomy.
©2019 Jeong et al.