Integrative taxonomy reveals further hidden diversity of Marphysa (Polychaeta: Eunicidae) in European Atlantic and Mediterranean waters

Marphysa (Polychaeta: Eunicidae) is represented in the Mediterranean by M. aegypti, M. birgeri, and M. chirigota. Previous reports of M. sanguinea are doubtful, because it has a confirmed distribution around the southern English coasts (NE European Atlantic). In this study, we combine morphological...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Martin, Daniel, Chaibi, Marwa, Lavesque, Nicolas, Daffe, Guillemine, Daramy, Flore, Hutchings, Pat, Jourde, Jérôme, Romano, Chiara
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/402424
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/402424
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105010739342
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Annelida
Arcachon Bay
DNA
Gulf of Fos
Gulf of Tunis
Morphology
Oléron Island
Port La Nouvelle
Species complex
Descripción
Sumario:Marphysa (Polychaeta: Eunicidae) is represented in the Mediterranean by M. aegypti, M. birgeri, and M. chirigota. Previous reports of M. sanguinea are doubtful, because it has a confirmed distribution around the southern English coasts (NE European Atlantic). In this study, we combine morphological and molecular (using 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase I) analyses to reveal for the first time the presence of M. gaditana in the NW Mediterranean (Gulf of Tunis, Tunisia) and to substantiate its presence along the Atlantic coasts of France - previously relying solely on molecular data - drawing on specimens collected in Arcachon Bay and Oléron Island. Our findings also allow us to describe a new species of Marphysa from the Mediterranean coasts of southern France, namely Marphysa gili Martin and Romano, sp. nov., based only on morphological data. Our research highlights previously overlooked diversity within Marphysa on Atlantic and Mediterranean European coasts, thus contributing to the growing series of recent rigorous taxonomic studies that are challenging the historical tendency to merely report 'M. sanguinea' without a thorough taxonomic examination or when undertaking physiological, reproductive, or resource management studies on 'M. sanguinea' without questioning the appropriateness of using this species' name.