Work

New Clavelina (Ascidiacea) Species from the Bahamas

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The ascidian fauna of the Bahamas remains grossly understudied. Here, we examined specimens of the genus Clavelina collected from four Bahamian islands using morphological observations and genetic barcoding. Only three species of Clavelina have been previously reported in the Caribbean: C. picta, C. oblonga, and C. puertosecensis. Here, we report C. picta and three species new to science: C. rochae, C. pawliki, and C. erwinorum. C. picta and C. pawliki were found in the northernmost island surveyed, while C. rochae and C. erwinorum were particularly prevalent on the southeastern Bahamian islands. A complete review of genetic barcoding data and morphological characters of accepted Clavelina species was performed. The unique combination of in vivo coloration, morphological characteristics, haplotypes, and species distribution supported the establishment of three new species, significantly adding to the diversity of the genus Clavelina in the Caribbean.

Source: Taxonomy

DOI: 10.3390/taxonomy4030034

Authors: Xavier Turon, Susanna Lopez-Legentil

Institutions: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Language: English

Topic: Marine Biology and Ecology Research

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,137