Three new species of Genus Cryptonatica (Gastropoda, Naticidae) from Huanghai Sea Cold Water Mass

This report based on the results of investigations conducted in June 2007 and July 2008, respectively, on the benthic community structure and characteristic diversity of the Huanghai Sea (Yellow Sea) Cold Water Mass, as well as that in July 1959 during the national oceanic survey. The Naticidae specimens collected from Cold Water Mass in middle and northern Huanghai Sea were studied through morphological classification and the internal anatomy on radula. Three new species of Naticidae, i.e., Cryptonatica purpurfunda sp. nov., Cryptonatica sphaera sp. nov., and Cryptonatica striatica sp. nov. were identified. The morphological characteristics of the new species are described, and the similarties and differences between the new species and similar species are compared and discussed.