Vargula danae (Brady 1880) Kornicker 1975

Vargula danae (Brady)

Cypridina danae Brady, 1880:156, pl. 36: figs. 2A-D; 1897:89, pl. 16: fig. 24.—Müller, 1912:15 [listed].

HOLOTYPE.—Unique specimen, carapace at British Museum (Natural History), Registration No. 80.38; slide with some appendages at Hancock Museum, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

TYPE-LOCALITY.—Off Kerguelen Island, about 49°S, about 70°E, water depth 219.5 m.

MATERIAL.—In answer to my request to borrow the carapace and appendages of this specimen from the British Museum, Dr. K. McKenzie informed me (written comm., 1971) that no appendages are in the collection, and that he is of the opinion that the species belongs in the genus Cypridinodes. He later communicated (written comm., 1972) that the appendages are on a slide in the Brady collection of the Hancock Museum presently being held at the British Museum. Through Dr. G. M. Bennell, Department of Zoology (Crustacea), British Museum (Natural History), I received on November 13, 1972, a slide with appendages and a box within a box containing the dried carapace of Cypridina danae. The label on the slide reads: “Cypridina Danae n. sp., Challenger No…, Depth 120 faths., Kerguelen Island, G. S. Brady, Hancock Museum, Newcastle-on-Tyne.” The label on an outer box containing the dried carapace bears the label, “90 Cypridina danae Brady, Challenger, Kerguelen Is. 120 fms. 29 Jan. 1874, Type, 80.38.18.” The inner box bears the label “(80–38), 29 Jan. 1874, Kerguelen 120 fathoms, Cypridina Danae, n. sp."

This slide is in good condition except for the appendages being faint. Phase contrast microscopy was used in studying the appendages. The slide contained two 1st antennae, 2nd antennae, mandibles, 6th limbs (together), 7th limbs, one maxilla and the furca. The taxonomically important upper lip, medial eye, and rod-shaped organ are not present on the slide. The dried carapace is also in good condition. Both valves of the carapace are together so that it is not possible to examine the inner sides of the valves. I could not determine from the outside whether or not the missing organs are inside the carapace.