Octaedrisella

Octaedrisella is a genus of small, free-living marine nematodes. These nematodes belong to the family Comesomatidae, which are characterized by their small size, relatively short esophageal bulb, and the presence of lateral fields. The genus Octaedrisella was first described by Chitwood in 1951.

Species within this genus are typically found in marine sediments, often in coastal areas. They are deposit feeders, meaning they consume organic matter found in the sediment. Their small size and infaunal lifestyle make them important components of the benthic ecosystem, contributing to nutrient cycling and sediment bioturbation.

Morphologically, Octaedrisella species are distinguished by specific features of their cephalic region, amphidial fovea, and reproductive system. The exact number of species within the genus can vary as taxonomic revisions occur with new discoveries and analyses. Research on Octaedrisella contributes to our understanding of nematode biodiversity and the ecological roles of these often-overlooked organisms in marine environments. Studies may involve detailed morphological descriptions, molecular phylogenetic analyses, and ecological surveys to determine their distribution and abundance.