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Abyssoecia elevata

Abyssoecia elevata

Grischenko, Gordon & Melnik, 2018

GBIF:148403717

0year

ABOUT

Descriptions(5)

Description. Colony suberect to erect, flabellate (Fig. 13), pale lemon yellow (Fig. 2 G, H), supported by founding zooids and additional pillars derived from autozooids (Figs 13 B, F, 15 C – I); up to 5.77 mm long and 9.09 mm wide. Arcuate lateral margins of large colonies tending to curve proximad, occasionally meeting around a space or spaces, creating open calyciform shape (Figs 2 G, 13 A). Supportive pillars of about 4 – 8 connate zooids, each budded in such a way as to be bent, with proximal portion subvertical, descending towards substratum (e. g. Fig. 15 F), and frontodistal part forming peristomial tubes (e. g. Fig. 15 I). No kenozooids. Surface calcification of colony forming sinuous concentric striae (Figs 13 D, 14 A, E – J) and having fibrous (planar-spherulitic) microstructure (Fig. 14 K); pseudopores small, simple, sparse, evenly distributed. Frontal surface with evenly distributed autozooidal peristomes, all obliquely inclined in direction of colony growth, generally longer towards colony margin, fully formed apertures mostly circular (Fig. 14 J), calcified terminal diaphragms rare. New zooids budded from part of distobasal wall of preceding zooid (Fig. 14 G, H), hence zooids partly overlapping. Interior wall surface of imbricated foliated fabric of wedge-shaped crystallites; no spinules (Fig. 14 K). Gonozooid simple, transversely reniform (Fig. 14 A), wedged in among autozooidal peristomes at colony margin, moderately densely pseudoporous, narrow ooeciostome directed outwards, with more or less circular ooeciopore (Fig. 14 B – E). Ancestrula (Figs 14 L – N, 15 D – I, K), suberect, inclined at 50 – 60 ° angle to substratum. Protoecium typically flared at base, narrowing at base of peristome but no distinction in surface calcification of needle-like crystallites; peristome tending to be angled to one side (Figs 14 L, 15 H, I). Later daughter zooids tending to form descending outgrowths to substratum, helping to support ancestrula as colony grows; no basal kenozooids. Measurements (mm). Holotype, ZIRAS 1 / 50703 (Fig. 13 A – B): Colony length 3.28, width 4.88, height 2.79; ZL 0.597 – 0.802 (0.711 ± 0.074); PeL 0.062 – 0.191 (0.108 ± 0.037); PeD 0.148 – 0.185 (0.171 ± 0.012); ApL 0.136 – 0.165 (0.149 ± 0.008); ApW 0.124 – 0.143 (0.133 ± 0.006). Paratype 3, ZIRAS 4 / 50706 (Fig. 14 A – E): Gonozooid (n = 1): GZL 0.703; GZW 0.880; GZH 0.383; OsL 0.155; OsD 0.133; OpD 0.111. Non-type specimen YMG 4 – 04, Stn 44 (Figs 14 L – M, 15 G – K): Ancestrula (n = 1): AnH 0.903; AnPeD 0.221; AnPrL 0.247; AnPrW 0.234.
Grischenko, Andrei V., Gordon, Dennis P., Melnik, Viacheslav P. (2018): Bryozoa (Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata) from polymetallic nodules in the Russian exploration area, Clarion - Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean-taxon novelty and implications of mining. Zootaxa 4484 (1): 1-91, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4484.1.1
Remarks. Eleven colonies, representing a range of sizes, were isolated from the nodule samples; only one was fertile. The elevated, flabellate form of the colony is consistent, with the pillar-like supports providing stability as the colony expands.
Grischenko, Andrei V., Gordon, Dennis P., Melnik, Viacheslav P. (2018): Bryozoa (Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata) from polymetallic nodules in the Russian exploration area, Clarion - Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean-taxon novelty and implications of mining. Zootaxa 4484 (1): 1-91, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4484.1.1
Distribution. Recorded from 10 stations within coordinates 13.09421 – 13.49873 ° N, 130.80695 – 134.72239 ° W, at depth range 4787 – 5050 m.
Grischenko, Andrei V., Gordon, Dennis P., Melnik, Viacheslav P. (2018): Bryozoa (Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata) from polymetallic nodules in the Russian exploration area, Clarion - Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean-taxon novelty and implications of mining. Zootaxa 4484 (1): 1-91, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4484.1.1
Etymology. Latin, elevatus, raised, alluding to the elevation of colony above the substratum.
Grischenko, Andrei V., Gordon, Dennis P., Melnik, Viacheslav P. (2018): Bryozoa (Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata) from polymetallic nodules in the Russian exploration area, Clarion - Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean-taxon novelty and implications of mining. Zootaxa 4484 (1): 1-91, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4484.1.1
Material examined. Holotype: ZIRAS 1 / 50703, colony detached from nodule, YMG R. V. Yuzhmorgeologiya cruise YMG 4 – 13, Stn 302, 30 July 2014, 13.16460 ° N, 132.52885 ° W, 4934 m. Paratype 1: ZIRAS 2 / 50704, colony detached from nodule, YMG R. V. Yuzhmorgeologiya cruise YMG 4 – 06, Stn 106, 2 September 2006, 13.26750 ° N, 134.51797 ° W, 4805 m. Paratype 2: ZIRAS 3 / 50705, colony attached to particle of nodule, YMG R. V. Gelendzhik cruise GLD 4 – 09, Stn 191, 3 January 2011, 13.40957 ° N, 133.47513 ° W, 4897 m. Paratype 3: ZIRAS 4 / 50706, colony fragment (with gonozooid) detached from nodule, YMG R. V. Yuzhmorgeologiya cruise YMG 4 – 13, Stn 282, 12 July 2014, 13.41580 ° N, 132.28818 ° W, 4946 m. Additional material: YMG 4 – 04, Stn 44; YMG 4 – 06, Stn 99; YMG 4 – 07, Stns 129, 135; GLD 4 – 09, Stn 196; YMG 4 – 13, Stn 313. Total specimens examined 11.
Grischenko, Andrei V., Gordon, Dennis P., Melnik, Viacheslav P. (2018): Bryozoa (Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata) from polymetallic nodules in the Russian exploration area, Clarion - Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean-taxon novelty and implications of mining. Zootaxa 4484 (1): 1-91, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4484.1.1

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CLASSIFICATION

Taxonomic Classification Tree

AnimaliaBryozoaStenolaemataCyclostomatidaOncousoeciidaeAbyssoeciaAbyssoecia elevata

MULTIMEDIA

Media Files(4)

FIGURE 2. Colonies of some cyclostome bryozoans, in vivo, attached to polymetallic nodules. A–E, Pandanipora helix n. gen., n. sp.: A, specimen GLD4–09, Stn 190; B, specimen GLD4–12, Stn 262; C, specimen YMG4–07, Stn 143; D, specimen YMG4–13, Stn 295; E, specimen GLD 4–11, Stn 212. F, Tubuliporina sp. indet., specimen YMG18–01, Stn 7. G, H, Abyssoecia elevata n. gen., n. sp.: G, specimen GLD4–09, Stn 196; H, specimen GLD4–09, Stn 191. I, Discantenna metallica n. sp.: specimen GLD4–11, Stn 224. J, K, Frontohornera frontalis n. gen., n. sp.: J, specimen YMG4–07, Stn 124; K, specimen GLD4–11, Stn 210. L, Alyonushka hystricosa n. gen., n. sp.: specimen GLD4–09, Stn 199. M, Calyssopora volcano n. gen., n. sp.: specimen YMG18–01, Stn 33. N, O, Anyuta anastema n. gen., n. sp.: N, specimen GLD4–09, Stn 180; O, specimen YMG4–06, Stn 71. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Imageimage/png© Grischenko, Andrei V.;Gordon, Dennis P.;Melnik, Viacheslav P.Grischenko, Andrei V.;Gordon, Dennis P.;Melnik, Viacheslav P.

FIGURE 13. Abyssoecia elevata n. gen., n. sp. Holotype and paratype colonies detached from their substrata. A, B, holotype, ZIRAS 1/50703, frontal and profile views; note foramen in colony formed by growth and fusion of lobes around a space; C, D, paratype 1, ZIRAS 2/50704 frontal and abfrontal views; E, F, paratype 2, ZIRAS 3/50705, frontal and profile views. Scale bars: 500 µm.

Imageimage/png© Grischenko, Andrei V.;Gordon, Dennis P.;Melnik, Viacheslav P.Grischenko, Andrei V.;Gordon, Dennis P.;Melnik, Viacheslav P.

FIGURE 14. Abyssoecia elevata n. gen., n. sp. A–E, paratype 3, ZIRAS 4/50706; F, specimen YMG4–06, Stn 106; G, J, specimen YMG4–13, Stn 302; H, I, N, specimen YMG4–07, Stn 129; K, specimen GLD4–09, Stn 191; L, M, specimen YMG4–04, Stn 44. A, gonozooid at upper left of image with projecting ooeciostome; B, D, distal and distolateral views of gonozooid; C, E, frontal and distal views of ooeciostome with subcircular ooeciopore; F–H, distolateral (F) and distal views of colony margin with developing zooids; I–K, frontal views of short autozooidal peristomes; L–N, ancestrular region of two colonies. Scale bars: A, 500 µm; B, D, F–J, L–N, 200 µm; C, E, 100 µm; K, 50 µm.

Imageimage/png© Grischenko, Andrei V.;Gordon, Dennis P.;Melnik, Viacheslav P.Grischenko, Andrei V.;Gordon, Dennis P.;Melnik, Viacheslav P.

FIGURE 15. Abyssoecia elevata n. gen., n. sp. Progressive stages of development of young ancestrulate colonies viewed from different angles, showing development of either supportive columns or growth of lateral margins towards substratum as colony grows larger. A–C, specimen GLD4–09, Stn 196; D–F, specimen YMG4–07, Stn 129; G–L, specimen YMG4–04, Stn 44. Scale bars: A, B, D–F, 250 µm; C, 200 µm; G–L, 500 µm.

Imageimage/png© Grischenko, Andrei V.;Gordon, Dennis P.;Melnik, Viacheslav P.Grischenko, Andrei V.;Gordon, Dennis P.;Melnik, Viacheslav P.

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Bryozoa (Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata) from polymetallic nodules in the Russian exploration area, Clarion - Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean-taxon novelty and implications of mining

checklist

This dataset contains the digitized treatments in Plazi based on the original journal article Grischenko, Andrei V., Gordon, Dennis P., Melnik, Viacheslav P. (2018): Bryozoa (Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata) from polymetallic nodules in the Russian exploration area, Clarion - Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean-taxon novelty and implications of mining. Zootaxa 4484 (1): 1-91, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4484.1.1

Abstract

This work describes Bryozoa of the orders Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata found associated with polymetallic nodules collected by box-coring in the eastern part of the Russian exploration area of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ) under contract to Yuzhmorgeologiya. Scanning electron microscopic study of 358 cyclostome colonies and 14 ctenostome colonies from 4510–5280 m depth has resulted in the recognition of two new species of Ctenostomata, and 14 new species, nine new genera and two new families of Cyclostomata; three additional species of Cyclostomata are left in open nomenclature pending the discovery of missing reproductive characters. The taxonomic novelty is thus notable. One of the new Ctenostomata represents the first living example of the previously monotypic Late Cretaceous genus Pierrella. Twelve of the new cyclostome taxa have well-developed gonozooids, indicating that embryonic cloning (polyembryony) is normal in this deep-sea environment. On the other hand, one indeterminate tubuliporine and two rectangulates have dimorphic peristomes. In the latter two cases, enough mature colonies were found to suggest that this feature is normal, and that the dimorphic zooids are possibly female—in other words, capacious incubation chambers are apparently lacking, and therefore polyembryony would also be lacking or reduced. In one of these species, evidence is presented to suggest that the ancestrular zooid can reproduce precociously. Of the species reported here, only one has previously been found outside the exploration area, highlighting both the limited knowledge we have of bryozoans in the deep Pacific and/or a fauna that is largely endemic to the nodule environment. An additional 31 species of Cheilostomata have also been discovered that will be described in a subsequent publication. Most bryozoans are macrofaunal-sized, so are both inadequately determinable and overlooked in images obtained by remotely operated vehicles; yet, with 50 species, Bryozoa is the most speciose sessile macrofaunal phylum on the nodules. Nodules constitute hard substrata in an area otherwise mostly inhospitable for Bryozoa, hence mining would lead to loss of critical habitat. Further, as suspension-feeders, bryozoans are highly susceptible to smothering by suspended sediment, and non-mined areas closely adjacent to extraction zones would likely also be affected and their associated bryozoan fauna obliterated. More data are required on the distribution of the CCFZ bryozoan species elsewhere in the east Central Pacific to determine if mining would lead to local taxon extirpation or global extinction at both low and high taxonomic levels.

Grischenko A V, Gordon D P, Melnik V P, plazi (2018). Bryozoa (Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata) from polymetallic nodules in the Russian exploration area, Clarion - Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean-taxon novelty and implications of mining. Plazi.org taxonomic treatments database. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4484.1.1 accessed via GBIF.org on 2026-06-15.

CC0Published 9/25/2018View dataset
GBIF Usage Key
148403717
Dataset Key
74b777c9-eae0-4770-8c86-dcbb10fb06b3
Origin
source
Backbone Key
10194017
Taxon ID
521587E4562A551B09EEF88F884FFBFB.taxon
Last Crawled
6/10/2026
Last Interpreted
6/10/2026
View on GBIFSource Reference