Abstract
Pinctada is a genus known as pearl oyster, being exploited commercially in some countries. In Brazil, the species Pincta imbricata has presented studies of edible cultivars, occurring as part of shallow water epifauna, occuring on rocks, corals and rarely on sponges. This species, theoretically, ranges from Florida Coast to southern Brazil. However, this distribution presents different morphotypes - interpreted by some authors as ecophenotype. These high variability implies the large number of synonyms in the western Atlantic, becoming the taxonomy of this group intricated. Moreover some authors consider one species from Europe and other from the Indian Ocean as synonyms of P. imbricata. Recent studies using different molecular markers preliminarily suggest P. imbricata, leastwise, represented by two species in the Caribbean, which indicates that these species may be actually a complex of species. As a important commercial species, the taxonomic revision of P. imbricata is especially relevant, as discussed above. This study aims to review the P. imbricata species complex using conchological and anatomical characters. For a more accurate result, is necessary: a) analyze specimens from several localities of the Brazilian coast, Venezuela, the West Indies and Florida, b) search for and review the various types synonyms proposed since the XIX century, c) apply all data collected in a complete taxonomic revision. It is expected that the final results may contribute to the correct identification of this complex and further management of these organisms.
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