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  • Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) as a tool to uncover neglected marine biodiversity: two new Solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora) from the Gulf of Mexico
Title: Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) as a tool to uncover neglected marine biodiversity: two new Solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora) from the Gulf of Mexico
Solenogastres is a group of mollusks with evolutionary and ecological importance. Nevertheless, their diversity is underestimated and knowledge about the distribution of the approximately 300 formally described species is limited. Factors that contribute to this include their small size and frequent misidentification by non-specialists. Recent deep-sea explorations have resulted in the collection of numerous specimens through effective methods such as epibenthic sledges. However, this is a costly, labor-intensive, and destructive methodology. In contrast, Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) offer a novel, non-destructive approach, by providing a substrate for benthic organism colonization. This study is the first to describe Solenogastres collected using ARMS, demonstrating that they are an effective tool for biodiversity assessment and characterizing rare marine invertebrates. Following an integrative taxonomic approach, two new solenogaster species are described:Dondersia tweedtaeFarris, Olson & Kocot,sp. nov.(Dondersiidae) andEleutheromenia bullescensCobo,sp. nov.(Pruvotinidae). The diagnosis of the family Dondersiidae is amended and the necessity of reassessing the validity of the current diagnostic characters for Pruvotinidae, and its classification is emphasized. The two newly described species exhibit distinct external characteristics;D. tweedtaesp. nov.has a striking pink color with a bright yellow dorsal keel andE. bullescenssp. nov.has a unique, discontinuous dorsal keel with nearly spherical protrusions. The presence of cnidocytes in the digestive systems of both species indicate that they feed on cnidarians. It is hypothesized that, like in some nudibranchs, their coloration and body features reflect defensive adaptations related to their diet. This study shows that while habitus alone is typically insufficient for accurate identification in solenogasters, it can sometimes simplify the process. For this, live observations and photographs are essential.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1846174
PAR ID:
10656480
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Pensoft Publishers
Date Published:
Journal Name:
ZooKeys
Volume:
1221
ISSN:
1313-2989
Page Range / eLocation ID:
401 to 434
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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