Work

First record of the hydromedusa Dichotomia cannoides (Leptothecata, Dipleurosomatidae) in the Red Sea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The leptomedusa Dichotomia cannoides is reported for the first time from the Red Sea, extending its known distribution beyond the western Atlantic and western Pacific Ocean. Five specimens were documented in the northern Gulf of Aqaba, and one was collected for molecular analysis. In situ photography was used to extract diagnostic characters and natural habitus. DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene showed 98.03% identity with D. cannoides from Florida. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its placement within D. cannoides , distinct from related leptothecate taxa. This finding increases the number of Leptothecata species recorded in the region to 15. The delayed detection of D. cannoides in the Red Sea may be due to its small size, limited seasonality or a recent introduction via ballast water or hull fouling. The species remains known only from its medusa stage. We further discuss how environmental DNA may help uncover its life cycle and those of other hydrozoans.

Source: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

DOI: 10.1017/s0025315425100970

Authors: Tamar Guy-Haim, Anastasiia Iakovleva, Gil Koplovitz, Zafrir Kuplik

Institutions: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, University of Haifa, Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Tel Aviv University

Language: English

Topic: Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology

Subfield: Paleontology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550