Helmutneris gen. nov.

Type species. Lumbriconereis flabellicola Fage, 1936

Etymology. The name of the genus is in honor of Helmut Zibrowius in recognition of his publications on polychaetes, but mainly for his studies of this species.

Diagnosis. Prostomium without antennae, without eyes; notopodia slightly developed; without branchiae; simple multidentate hooded hooks present; pygidium with anal cirri; maxillary apparatus with four pairs of maxillae, carriers black, as long as MI, joined to base of MI; MI forceps-like without internal accessory teeth, wide base, with attachment lamella; MII as long as MI, with ligament, without connecting plates, attachment lamella narrow along 1/3 of posterior lateral edge; MIII with whitish central area, attachment lamella wide along 1/4 of posterior lateral edge; MIV with whitish central area, attachment lamella narrow. Mandible with shaft partly separated.

Remarks. This is the only known lumbrinerid genus which is symbiotic with deepwater ahermatypic corals.