Two new species of Trophomera Rubtzov & Platonova, 1974 (Nematoda: Plectida: Benthimermithidae) from the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, North Pacific

Two new species of the genus Trophomera Rubtzov & Platonova, 1974 (Nematoda: Plectida: Benthimermithidae) from the deep-sea bottom of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, North Pacific are described. Trophomera mangani sp. nov. differs from its congeners in terms of its large body size, preamphidial cervical lateral alae extending the whole distance from the cephalic apex to amphid, a cone-shaped tail with a terminal spine, and reproductive system with two testes arranged consecutively in tandem and connected by a joint spermaduct. Trophomera fodinae sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by its setiform cephalic sensilla, a pharynx that connects with the anterior end of the trophosome, a rounded tail with a terminal spine possessing additional cuticular layers and granular inclusions, the presence of an anus and a rectum, the anterior position of the vulva, and its short reproductive system with two telogonic reflected ovaries. Dichotomous keys to male and female of Trophomera are provided.