On a new species of ostracod from the Brazilian Amazon and its potential for experimental studies in laboratory culture

Ostracods are taxonomically and ecologically diverse small crustaceans that have recently gained prominence in laboratory studies and environmental impact assessment. In this context, the present study aims to assess the applicability of a new freshwater ostracod for experimental studies in the laboratory, and we provide the formal description of Strandesia rondoniensis n. sp. The original specimens for setting the laboratory cultures originated from the Natural Park of Porto Velho, in the Amazon region (Rondônia State, Brazil). The growth and reproductive rates of eleven adult individuals of S. rondoniensis n. sp. were analyzed. The results showed a high morphological resemblance with Neostrandesia striata and Bradleytriebella lineata, even though the new species belongs to Strandesia, indicating evolutionary convergence. The life cycle analysis showed that individuals of S. rondoniensis n. sp. have fast growth and high reproductive rates, which favour their use in laboratory studies. Besides contributing to the knowledge about ostracods in the Amazon region, which has been poorly studied, the life cycle experiment characterizations provided here should promote the use of this new species as a model organism for laboratory studies.