Callopora bathyalis n. sp., nouvelle espèce de Bryozoaire chilostome de l’Océan Atlantique nord-oriental

A new species of Callopora (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata Anasca), C. bathyalis n. sp., was discovered on Madreporaria from the bathyal zone of the Atlantic Ocean. Its main characteristic consists in an entire covering of the area by a calcified racketshaped plate joined to the proximal gymnocyst by a peduncle. This plate bears an avicularium and represents a highly modified avicularian chamber. This structure appears to be a striking adaptation to the deep habitat of this species. Its supposed function is to protect the frontal membrane from silt deposit.