The lancelets [Cephalochordata, Amphioxi] of Lucena Anchorage, Quezon, Philippines

Abstract

Two species of lancelets (amphioxi) are described from Philippine waters: Branchiostoma belcheri and Epigonichthys cultellus. The characters suited for numerical evaluation in both species were examined statistically.

Epigonichthys cultellus is reported for the first time from the Philippines. The specimens examined differ by the presence of a dark band behind the rostrum and anterior to the first myotome, the greater number of myotomes in the preatrioporal region, and the numerous sense papillae on the buccal cirri.