Xenophyophores (Rhizaria, Foraminifera) from the Russian license area of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (eastern equatorial Pacific), with the description of three new species

We present new data on xenophyophores from the Russian license area of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the abyssal eastern equatorial Pacific based on samples collected in box cores during cruises of the R/V “Yuzhmorgeologia” in 2009–2012. The new material yielded five species of these giant foraminifera: Psammina multiloculata Kamenskaya, Gooday, Tendal 2015, Spiculammina delicata Kamenskaya 2005, and three new species that we describe here. Aschemonella tubulosa sp. nov. is characterized by rounded stercomare masses attached to the inner organic layer of the tubular test. Cerelasma implicata sp. nov. lacks a distinct agglutinated test and consists largely of a mass of branching and closely intertwined granellare and stercomare strings, with a scattering of sponge spicule fragments and mineral grains on the outer surface. Stannophyllum paucilinellatum sp. nov. has weakly developed linellae distributed uniformly throughout the test without forming distinct surface or internal layers. All xenophyophore specimens, except for A. tubulosa, were attached to nodules. Xenophyophores are among the dominant megafaunal taxa within the CCZ. Our new material suggests that this region also houses many more novel species belonging to this group of protists.