New species of bone-eating worm Osedax from the abyssal South Atlantic Ocean (Annelida, Siboglinidae)

Author(s)

Fujiwara, Yoshihiro ; Jimi, Naoto ; Sumida, Paulo Y. G. ; Kawato, Masaru ; Kitazato, Hiroshi

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ZOOKEYS; v. N/A, n. 814, p. 17-pg., 2019-01-08.

Abstract

A new species of bone-eating annelid, Osedax braziliensis sp. n., found in a sunken whale carcass at a depth of 4,204 m at the base of the Sao Paulo Ridge in the South Atlantic Ocean off the Brazilian coast is described. The organism was retrieved using the human-occupied vehicle Shinkai 6500 during the QUEUE 2013 expedition. This is the 26th species of the genus and the first discovery from the South Atlantic Ocean, representing the deepest record of Osedax worldwide to date. This species morphologically resembles Osedax frankpressi but is distinguished by the presence of a yellow bump or patch behind the prostomium and its trunk length. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using three genetic markers (COI, 16S, and 18S) showed that O. braziliensis sp. n. is distinct from all other Osedax worms reported and is a sister species of O. frankpressi. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50185-1 - Biodiversity and connectivity of benthic communities in organic-rich habitats in the deep SW Atlantic - BioSuOr
• Grantee: Paulo Yukio Gomes Sumida
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants