Genus Africanthion Inglis, 1964

The monospecific genus Africanthion was erected by Inglis (1964) for the description of Africanthion nudum Inglis, 1964 from sublittoral coarse white sand in Lambert’s Bay, South Africa. The genus is very similar to Mesacanthion, but differs in the structure of the mandibles and the form of the male reproductive apparatus.

Diagnosis from Smol et al. (2014): Mandibles with lateral processes (claws) very well developed and mandibular walls fairly narrow in optical section; mandibular plate thin; teeth slightly unequal: dorsal smaller than ventrosublateral; teeth lying far posterior to mandibles. Cephalic setae arising from the middle of cephalic capsule. Male spicules short and stout; gubernaculum small and complex; precloacal supplement replaced by a file of stout, short setae. Marine.

Number of valid species: 1

1. Africanthion nudum Inglis, 1964 (South Africa, lapsus nudus)— type species