Atlantic West Ophiothrix spp. in the scope of integrative taxonomy: Confirming the existence of Ophiothrix trindadensis Tommasi, 1970

Author(s):Show less -

dos Santos Alitto, Renata Aparecida ^{[1, 2]} ; Zacagnini Amaral, Antonia Cecilia ^[2] ; de Oliveira, Leticia Dias ^{[1, 2]} ; Serrano, Helena ^{[1, 2]} ; Seger, Karin Regina ^{[1, 3]} ; Borges Guilherme, Pablo Damian ^[4] ; Di Domenico, Maikon ^[5] ; Christensen, Ana Beardsley ^[6] ; Lourenco, Luciana Bolsoni ^[3] ; Tavares, Marcos ^[7] ; Borges, Michela ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Anim, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Museu Zool Adao Jose Cardoso, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Celular, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Estadual Parana, Lab Biol Marinha, Paranagua, Parana - Brazil

^[5] Univ Fed Parana, Ctr Estudos Mar, Pontal Do Parana, Parana - Brazil

^[6] Lamar Univ, Dept Biol, Beaumont, TX 77710 - USA

^[7] Univ Sao Paulo, Museu Zool, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 14, n. 1 JAN 23 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

We re-describe and confirm the validity of Ophiothrix trindadensis Tommasi, 1970 (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea). This is a native species from Brazil, however it lacked a type series deposited in scientific collections. The recognition of O. trindadensis was made possible using integrative taxonomy applied to many specimens from the type locality (Trindade Island) as well as from different locations along the Brazilian coast (Araca Bay and Estuarine Complex of Paranagua). Initially, 835 specimens were studied and divided into four candidate species (CS) inferred from external morphological characters. Afterwards, the CSs were compared using integrative taxonomy based on external morphology, arm microstructures morphology (arm ossicle), morphometry, and molecular studies (fragments of the mitochondrial genes 16S and COI). Analyses indicated CS1 and CS2 as O. trindadensis, and CS3 as O. angulata, both valid species. CS4 remains O. cf. angulata as more data, including their ecology and physiology, are needed to be definitively clarified. Our integrative investigation using specimens from the type locality overcame the lack of type specimens and increased the reliable identification of O. trindadensis and O. angulata. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50317-5 - Biodiversity and functioning of a subtropical coastal ecosystem: a contribution to integrated management
• Grantee: Antonia Cecília Zacagnini Amaral
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/50724-0 - Taxonomic studies, expansion and computerization of the marine invertebrate collections of the Museum of Zoology of the State University of Campinas, with emphasis on the Echinodermata
• Grantee: Michela Borges
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/08869-4 - Biodiversity of Amphiuridae, Ophiactidae and Ophiotrichidae (Ophiuroidea, Echinodermata) in two ecoregions of Brazil
• Grantee: Helena Serrano
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 16/06877-0 - Integrative taxonomy of the taxon Ophiothrix (Ophiothrix) angulata (Ophiotrichidae, Ophiuroidea), cryptic species that occurs in two Brazilian ecoregions
• Grantee: Letícia Dias de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation