Marine Rotifera from Ikka Fjord, SW Greenland. With the description of a new species from the rare mineral ikaite

Abstract

The rotifers from Ikka Fjord, SW Greenland are described. The descriptions are based on light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy of whole mounted animals and of isolated trophi. A new marine rotifer, Notholca

ikaitophila n. sp., was discovered inside the ikaite columns and from ikaite sand during this meiofauna investigation. The presence of movable lateral spines suggests a close relationship to the Notholca striata group. A full description of the new species is given. Beside the new species, eight other rotifer species, including four planktonic species, were found. Six of these are new to Greenland.

Beside the rotifer descriptions, notes are given on macro- and meiofauna in the fjord. An ecological note regarding the unique habitat for the meiofauna inside the ikaite columns is given for the first time. The interstitial meiofauna inside the ikaite columns is totally different from the eumarine meiofauna found on the surface of the ikaite columns.