Work

A deep-sea stalked tunicate Culeolus suhmi Herdman (1881) (Ascidiacea: Pyuridae) from the Central Indian Ridge

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The deep-sea stalked tunicate species Culeolus suhmi has reported a near the off-axis of a seamount in the Mid-Ocean Ridge sector of the Central Indian Ridge. The megabenthic communities were collected using a benthic sledge from depths between 2140 and 2348 m. This species identification was based on morphological characteristics, and the evolutionary placement was determined using a molecular study of the 18S rRNA gene. This analysis supported the monophyly of the clade belonging to the family Pyuridae. This study is part of a baseline assessment of the environment and benthic ecology, and it will assist in evaluate the impact of future massive sulphide exploitation in the Indian Ocean.

Source: Discover Oceans

DOI: 10.1007/s44289-024-00020-x

Authors: Rengaiyan Periasamy, Kurian John Palayil, Baban Ingole

Institutions: National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences

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: diamond

Funders: Ministry of Earth Sciences, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences