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| Erythropodium taoyuanensis Tu & Dai, 2022 |
Abstract
A molecular phylogenetic analysis of 132 octocoral species reveals a close relationship between specimens collected from the intertidal pools of the Datan Algal Reef, Taoyuan, Taiwan, and Erythropodium caribaeorum (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860), but the two species have distinct morphological features. On the basis of morphological differences in polyps and sclerites, we identify and describe a new Erythropodium species: E. taoyuanensis sp. nov. The distinct identifying features of E. taoyuanensis sp. nov. include the upright contractile polyps from thin encrusting membranes and abundant 6-radiate sclerites. Using an integrative approach, we present the findings of morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses to demonstrate that E. taoyuanensis sp. nov. is distinct from other Erythropodium species. Our study contributes to the knowledge of octocoral biodiversity in marginal habitats.
Keywords: 28S rDNA, Anthothelidae, cox2-IGR-cox1, molecular phylogeny, msh1, northwestern Pacific, Scleraxonia
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| Erythropodium taoyuanensis sp. nov. a intertidal population in situ b close-up of a c, d contracted polyps in situ e holotype (NMMB-CR000148) in preserved state f paratype (NMMB-CR000149) in preserved state. |
Erythropodium taoyuanensis sp. nov.
Etymology: The specific name taoyuanensis alludes to the city’s name, Taoyuan, where the specimens were collected.
Distribution: The Datan G2 in Datan Algal Reef, Taoyuan, Taiwan, is the only location where this species is known; it has a biodiverse coralline algal reef. Erythropodium taoyuanensis sp. nov. is one of the dominant sessile organisms encrusting the rocks at this location and is generally restricted to near the low tidal line, and it may be exposed to the air during the spring low tide.
Tzu-Hsuan Tu and Chang-Feng Dai. 2022. A New Species of Anthothelid Octocoral (Cnidaria, Alcyonacea) discovered on An Algal Reef of Taiwan. ZooKeys. 1089: 37-51. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1089.77273
