A new species of Paradella ovatis sp. nov., (Isopoda: Flabellifera: Sphaeromatidae) from Karachi coast, Pakistan

Abstract

This paper describes a new microscopic Isopod species belonging to the genus Paradella. The holotype was collected from the intertidal region of Sandspit, Karachi. The species can be diagnosed on the basis of the following characters: Cephalon wider with rostrum pointed; Pleotelson wider than long, dorsal surface of pleotelson scattered with granules, distal part of pleotelson expanded, with dorsal ovate ventilation slit. Each side of ventral pleotelsonic margins with ridge; both uropodal rami having sinuate lateral and mesial margins; pleon with upturned lateral margins. The species will also be the first representatives from Pakistan.