Descriptions of a New and a Known Species of the Genus Chronogaster Cobb, 1913 (Chromadorea: Plectida: Chronogasteridae) from India

Various sediment samples were collected from the edge of water bodies located to determine the diversity of aquatic nematodes. During the screening of sediment samples collected from Loktak Lake (a Ramsar Site) in Manipur and an estuary located in Vishakhapatnam a large number of nematodes were found. Of them, a new and a known species of the genus Chronogaster Cobb, 1913 were also collected. Chronogaster loktakensis sp.nov. is characterised by the presence of vacuolated bodies, crystalloids, faint longitudinal lines, 7–10 μm long cephalic setae, 16–28 μm long radial tubule arising from the base of stoma and tail with a terminal stout mucro surrounded by three spines. While, Chronogaster citri Khan & Nanjappa, 1973 is being reported with a difference found in the shape of stoma with additional information on body annules, presence of crystalloid and vacuolated bodies. A key to identification of Indian species has also been provided.