Oncholaimus zhangi sp. nov. (Oncholaimidae,Nematoda) from the intertidal zone of the East China Sea

A new species of free-living marine nematode is described from intertidal sediment of the East China Sea. The new species belongs to the Oncholaimidae family. Oncholaimus zhangi sp. nov. is characterized by males having a large ventral swelling situated just posterior to the middle of the tail, no precloacal papilla, and a row of 6–7 ventral genital setae. The tails of both males and females are similar, being conico-cylindrical in shape. The new species is distinguished from other closely related species by the presence of a prominent ventral swelling at the tail of males and a similar tail shape in both sexes. About 110 valid species in this genus have been recorded to date.