Record of Basilissopsis for the bathyal region of the South Atlantic (Brazil) based on the description of a new species and the designation of a lectotype for B. rhyssa

Abstract

This paper records the genus Basilissopsis Dautzenberg & Fischer, 1897 for the South Atlantic Ocean. Basilissopsis bassa spec. nov. is described from deep waters off the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The new species is diagnosed by whorls with prominent shoulder angulation, a broadly flattened subsutural ramp, a strong spiral cord in the supramedian position and a greatly expanded peripheral keel. Basilissopsis bassa is compared with B. oxytropis (Watson, 1879), B. watsoni Dautzenberg & Fischer, 1897 and B. rhyssa (Dall, 1927). The type material of the last two species is also figured in this study. In addition, a lectotype for B. rhyssa is designated herein.