A new species of Ophiocoma (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from Archipelago Trindade and Martin Vaz, Southeastern Atlantic, and redescription of Ophiocoma echinata

Author(s)

Serrano, Helena ; Damiano, Cecilia J. S. ; Alitto, Renata A. S. ; Guilherme, Pablo D. B. ; Cerqueira, Walter R. P. ; Mendonca, Joel B. ; Tavares, Marcos ; Borges, Michela

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom; v. 103, p. 16-pg., 2023-07-10.

Abstract

The brittle stars of the family Ophiocomidae inhabit shallow waters and coral reefs of tropical regions. The species of Ophiocoma are difficult to identify due to high morphological variation, especially when different stages of development are observed. Here, based on morphological analyses, two Brazilian morphotypes of Ophiocoma were studied and characterized, Ophiocoma sp. NB (Northeastern Brazil) and Ophiocoma sp. TMV (Trindade and Martin Vaz Archipelago), and subsequently thoroughly analysed to confirm whether they were the same species or not. After the morphological studies, including external morphology, morphometry and microstructural characters, and analysis of molecular data, involving the 16S gene, it was concluded that Ophiocoma sp. NB and Ophiocoma sp. TMV do not correspond to the same species, the first being identified as Ophiocoma echinata (Lamarck, 1816) and the latter being a new species. This new species is characterized by two tentacle scales on the first arm segment and then one on all following segments, and the dorsalmost arm spines are robust and rounded, as wide as long or almost as wide as long. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/09031-0 - Marine biodiversity in basic education: research for the curricular integration of knowledge through the Biota/FAPESP program
• Grantee: Renata Aparecida dos Santos Alitto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/10313-0 - Build-up of scientific collections of marine invertebrates: strategies for biodiversity conservation
• Grantee: Antonia Cecília Zacagnini Amaral
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/01620-9 - Biodiversity of Ophiodermatina (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) along South Atlantic: morphological and molecular studies
• Grantee: Helena Serrano
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 19/05997-0 - Integrative taxonomy of Ophiocoma taxon (Ophiuroidea, Echinodermata) of South-Western Atlantic
• Grantee: Cecilia de Jesus Santos Damiano
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 16/05843-4 - BIOTA-FAPESP Program in basic education: possibilities for curricular integration
• Grantee: Nelio Marco Vincenzo Bizzo
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants