A new species of Coriella, Coriella chernyshevi n. sp (Entoprocta, Barentsiidae), with comments on the genera Coriella and Pedicellinopsis

Here we describe a new species of colonial entoproct Coriella chernyshevi n. sp. from the Sea of Okhotsk, western Pacific Ocean, found at depths of 305-624 m. This is the first record of an entoproct species for the Sea of Okhotsk. Coriella chernyshevi is a large species with a zooid length of 6-7 mm. The calyx bears 32-34 tentacles. Zooids extend from a central stem formed by closely adjoined stolons. Only one other species of Coriella has been described previously, Coriella stolonata Kluge, 1946, from the Arctic Ocean, found at a depth of 45 m. Coriella chernyshevi and C. stolonata share a same rigid stem structure, but they differ in zooid size and tentacle number. The only other barentsiid that has been described as having a rigid central stem is Pedicellinopsis fruticosa Hincks, 1884. Based on the presence of a central stem in colonies, and similarities in structure of zooids and colonies, we suggest a close relationship between Coriella and Pedicellinopsis. Finally, an overview of both genera and all three species is given.