Walters Shoal

The Cystiscus fauna collected on the Walters Shoal by the 2017 MNHN/IRD Expedition is revised on the ground of shell morphology. Twenty-nine different species are recognized, 27 of them being formally described as Cystiscus subcylindricus, sp. nov., C. triplicatus sp. nov., C. herberti sp. nov., C. inflatus sp. nov., C. stimpsoni sp. nov., C. pyriformis sp. nov., C. harpaeformis sp. nov., C. laurae sp. nov., C. robustus sp. nov., C. minimus sp. nov., C. ovoides sp. nov., C. mamillatus sp. nov., C. angustus sp. nov., C. profundus sp. nov., C. granum sp. nov., C. dentiferus sp. nov., C. alatus sp. nov., C. apertus sp. nov., C. contortus sp. nov., C. sinuosus sp. nov., C. pupoides sp. nov., C. lussii sp. nov., C. smithi sp. nov., C. serratus sp. nov., C. lachrymaformis sp. nov., and C. quinqueplicatus sp. nov. Among the 27 described species, 25 of them are only known from their holotype, one paratype from the type station is reported for C. subcylindricus, and two conspecific specimens collected from a non-type station are reported for C. lussii. Eight morphs represented by one or two shells are tentatively ascribed to some of the 27 recognized species. Among the 29 recognized species, 28 of them are found at bathyal levels, and only one of them (C. quinqueplicatus) was collected at a reef level, so the Cystiscus fauna of the Walters Shoal is characterized as bathyal fauna. From the fact that any other Cystiscus assemblage was ever studied from the bathyal of the Indo-Pacific Province, no direct comparison is made with external items, and the Cystiscus species of the Walters Shoal are only compared to each other

Walters Shoal

ATIMO VATAE, BENTHEDI, BIOMAGLO, MAINBAZA, MIRIKY, Walters Shoal

ATIMO VATAE, BIOMAGLO, MAINBAZA, MIRIKY, Walters Shoal

Sixty-nine specimens of the rare leucosiid crab Merocryptus boletisculpta are reported from Walters Shoal, an isolated seamount in the southwestern Indian Ocean. The species has previously only been known from the type series collected during the R/V Vityaz 1988-1989 expedition. The species is re-described, illustrated, and colour photographs are provided.

Walters Shoal

The vetigastropod material collected on Walters Shoal during Cruise MD208 of the Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos programme is documented. In total, 50 species were obtained, 30 of which are new and apparently endemic to the seamount. Of the other 20 species, eight are regionally endemic to the south-western Indian Ocean, 11 are more widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific and one is possibly of deep-water Atlantic origin. The primary affinities of the fauna are with warm temperate South Africa and the tropical western Indian Ocean, but one species is potentially a seamount endemic of southern affinity. A new pseudococculinid genus living on decomposing bird feathers is described, a biogenic substrate association previously unknown in the Mollusca. The following new genera are described: Imbricoscelis gen. nov. and Pterodacna gen. nov. The following new species are described: Akritogyra crenulata sp. nov., Bathymophila williamsae sp. nov., Benthobrookula araneum sp. nov., Be. galeneae sp. nov., Be. laticostata sp. nov., Be. scalaroides sp. nov., Be. semisculpta sp. nov., Bruceina areneformis sp. nov., Calliostoma pantopunctatum sp. nov., Cantrainea herosae sp. nov., Carinastele achrosta sp. nov., Cornisepta marshalli sp. nov., Emarginula lentiginosa sp. nov., E. nodulicostata sp. nov., E. retrogyra sp. nov., E. salebrosa sp. nov., Fluxinella dufresneae sp. nov., Gibbula roseosticta sp. nov., Hadroconus scobina sp. nov., Kaiparathina monticola sp. nov., Lissotesta wareni sp. nov., Microcollonia miniata sp. nov., Mikro crassus sp. nov., Parviturbo cicatricosus sp. nov., Phragmomphalina candida sp. nov., Pterodacna boucheti gen. et sp. nov., Solariella asaphea sp. nov., Spinicalliotropis lepidota sp. nov., Stomatella multilirata sp. nov. and Trenchia mcleani sp. nov. The following new combinations are proposed: Brookula coronis Barnard, 1963 is transferred to Imbricoscelis gen. nov., Cantharidus nolfi Poppe, Tagaro & H. Dekker, 2006 is transferred to Kaiparathina Laws, 1941 and Solariella incisura Melvill, 1909 is transferred to Phragmomphalina Herbert & Williams, 2020. The following new synonyms are proposed: Carinastele wareni Vilvens, 2014 is a synonym of Bruceina cognata (Marshall, 1988); Fluxinella stellaris Bozzetti, 2008 is a synonym of Agagus stellamaris Herbert, 1991.

Walters Shoal

The vetigastropod material collected on Walters Shoal during Cruise MD208 of the Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos programme is documented. In total, 50 species were obtained, 30 of which are new and apparently endemic to the seamount. Of the other 20 species, eight are regionally endemic to the south-western Indian Ocean, 11 are more widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific and one is possibly of deep-water Atlantic origin. The primary affinities of the fauna are with warm temperate South Africa and the tropical western Indian Ocean, but one species is potentially a seamount endemic of southern affinity. A new pseudococculinid genus living on decomposing bird feathers is described, a biogenic substrate association previously unknown in the Mollusca. The following new genera are described: Imbricoscelis gen. nov. and Pterodacna gen. nov. The following new species are described: Akritogyra crenulata sp. nov., Bathymophila williamsae sp. nov., Benthobrookula araneum sp. nov., Be. galeneae sp. nov., Be. laticostata sp. nov., Be. scalaroides sp. nov., Be. semisculpta sp. nov., Bruceina areneformis sp. nov., Calliostoma pantopunctatum sp. nov., Cantrainea herosae sp. nov., Carinastele achrosta sp. nov., Cornisepta marshalli sp. nov., Emarginula lentiginosa sp. nov., E. nodulicostata sp. nov., E. retrogyra sp. nov., E. salebrosa sp. nov., Fluxinella dufresneae sp. nov., Gibbula roseosticta sp. nov., Hadroconus scobina sp. nov., Kaiparathina monticola sp. nov., Lissotesta wareni sp. nov., Microcollonia miniata sp. nov., Mikro crassus sp. nov., Parviturbo cicatricosus sp. nov., Phragmomphalina candida sp. nov., Pterodacna boucheti gen. et sp. nov., Solariella asaphea sp. nov., Spinicalliotropis lepidota sp. nov., Stomatella multilirata sp. nov. and Trenchia mcleani sp. nov. The following new combinations are proposed: Brookula coronis Barnard, 1963 is transferred to Imbricoscelis gen. nov., Cantharidus nolfi Poppe, Tagaro & H. Dekker, 2006 is transferred to Kaiparathina Laws, 1941 and Solariella incisura Melvill, 1909 is transferred to Phragmomphalina Herbert & Williams, 2020. The following new synonyms are proposed: Carinastele wareni Vilvens, 2014 is a synonym of Bruceina cognata (Marshall, 1988); Fluxinella stellaris Bozzetti, 2008 is a synonym of Agagus stellamaris Herbert, 1991.

Walters Shoal

The recent genetic analysis of the muricid subfamily Ergalataxinae has led to a better understanding of this subfamily, but some species were left without appropriate generic assignments and the classification of others required revision. This knowledge gap is partially filled herein, with new combinations and the description of three new genera. The examination of new material, along with a careful re-examination of and comparison to existing material, resulted also in the identification of nine new species. These new genera and new species are described herein, lectotypes are designated and new combinations are given. The geographical range of all the new species is provided on maps. All new species are compared with related or similar species. The radula of Morula palmeri Powell, 1967 is illustrated for the first time.

ATIMO VATAE, AURORA 2007, BATHUS 2, BENTHEDI, BERYX 11, BIOCAL, BIOMAGLO, BORDAU 2, CHALCAL 2, EBISCO, EXBODI, KANACONO, KANADEEP, KARUBENTHOS 2, LIFOU 2000, MAINBAZA, MD32 (REUNION), ???msg.security.private???, MIRIKY, MUSORSTOM 6, MUSORSTOM 7, MUSORSTOM 8, MUSORSTOM 9, NORFOLK 1, NORFOLK 2, PAKAIHI I TE MOANA, PANGLAO 2004, PANGLAO 2005, PAPUA NIUGINI, SANTO 2006, SMCB, SMIB 3, SMIB 4, SMIB 5, SMIB 8, TERRASSES, Walters Shoal

Fifteen species of Enixotrophon collected during expeditions of the Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos programme are reported from the Indo-West Pacific. All are illustrated using the holotypes and material collected during more than 30 years. The species were collected in the bathyal zone, living specimens occurring in depths from 198 to 1,280 m, with a majority between 250 and 800 m. One new combination, Enixotrophon pistillum (Barnard, 1959), is introduced; Trophon johannthielei Barnard, 1959 and Trophonopsis ziczac Tiba, 1981 are synonymised with E. pulchellus (Schepman, 1911). New geographical distribution data are presented for E. lochi (Marshall & Houart, 2011), E. pistillum, E. planispinus (E.A. Smith, 1906), E. plicilaminatus (Verco, 1909), E. pulchellus (Schepman, 1911) and E. sansibaricus (Thiele, 1925). Six species are recorded from the New Caledonia region, E. lochi, E. multigradus (Houart, 1990), E. obtuseliratus (Schepman, 1911), E. plicilaminatus (Verco, 1909), E. procerus (Houart, 2001) and E. pulchellus (Schepman, 1911). E. karubar n. sp. is described from Indonesia and one subadult specimen collected in the Mozambique Channel during the MAINBAZA expedition remains unidentified (Enixotrophon sp. cf. E. sansibaricus).

BATHUS 3, BIOCAL, BIOGEOCAL, BIOMAGLO, BIOPAPUA, BORDAU 1, CORAIL 2, KANACONO, KANADEEP 2, KARUBAR, KAVALAN 2018, MUSORSTOM 10, MUSORSTOM 5, MUSORSTOM 7, MUSORSTOM 8, NORFOLK 2, PANGLAO 2005, PAPUA NIUGINI, SALOMON 1, SALOMON 2, SALOMONBOA 3, TARASOC, Walters Shoal

Since its foundation in 1793, type specimens of 441 asteroid species and subspecies have been deposited in the M­ uséum national d’Histoire naturelle of Paris. The annotated catalogue of all these taxa is drawn up including species whose type material could not be found in the collection. Today the Paris museum houses 1011 asteroid type specimens representing 398 nominal species and subspecies, most of which were described by Lamarck (1816), Müller & Troschel (1842), Perrier (between 1869 and 1896) and Koehler (between 1895 and 1923). Though originating worldwide, species coming from the Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific Oceans, and Antarctic waters are more numerous. A biographical directory of all those involved either in the descriptions of the species or the collection of new material as well as their dedicatee is annexed to the catalogue. Revision of the Paris collection allows to propose taxonomic changes for two species of Müller & Troschel (Echinaster crassus Müller & Troschel, 1842 and Echinaster gracilis Müller & Troschel, 1842 are synonymized with Echinaster purpureus (Gray, 1840)) and five species of Perrier (Asterias borbonica Perrier, 1875 and Echinaster clouei Perrier, 1869 are synonymized with Echinaster purpureus (Gray, 1840), Oreaster clouei Perrier, 1869 and Oreaster mammosus Perrier, 1869 with Protoreaster lincki (Blainville, 1830) and Ophidiaster chinensis Perrier, 1875 with Ophidiaster granifer Lütken, 1871).

BATHUS 1, BATHUS 3, BIOCAL, BIOMAGLO, CEAMARC-AA, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, EXBODI, HALIPRO 1, LITHIST, MIRIKY, MUSORSTOM 1, MUSORSTOM 2, MUSORSTOM 4, MUSORSTOM 5, MUSORSTOM 6, MUSORSTOM 8, MUSORSTOM 9, NORFOLK 2, SALOMON 2, SANTO 2006, SMIB 4, SMIB 5, SMIB 8, VAUBAN 1978-1979, Walters Shoal

A new genus and species of axiid shrimp, Carolinaxius kexuae gen. et sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on a single specimen collected from an unnamed seamount in the Caroline Ridge, Northwest Pacific. Although both chelipeds are missing, the specimen can be distinguished from other axiid genera by a combination of characteristics: narrowly triangular rostrum; median carina and lateral gastric carina each with one prominent tooth; submedian gastric carinae converging posteriorly, with teeth; cornea weakly pigmented, eyestalk with acute distomesial tooth on dorsal surface; male pleopod 1 two-articled; pleopod 2 with appendix interna and appendix masculina; pleopods 3–5 with appendix interna. The molecular phylogeny suggests the new genus is most closely related to another recently described genus living inside hexactinellid sponges on seamounts in the Indian Ocean, Montanaxius Dworschak, 2016. However, it differs from Montanaxius in the shape of the rostrum, the arrangement of teeth on the carapace, and the shape of the eyestalk. Besides, the significant molecular differences support the two belonging to different genera.

KARUBENTHOS 2, MUSORSTOM 8, PAPUA NIUGINI, Walters Shoal

We inventoried all nine species of the ‘Acanthephyra purpurea’ complex, one of the most abundant and cosmo­ politan group of mesopelagic shrimps. We used 119 specimens at hand and genetic data for 124 specimens from GenBank and BOLD. Phylogenetic analysis of four genes (COI, 16S, NaK, and enolase) showed that the ‘Acan­ thephyra purpurea’ complex is polyphyletic and encompasses two species groups, ‘A. purpurea’ (mostly Atlantic) and ‘A. smithi’ (Indo-West Pacific). The ‘A. purpurea’ species group consists of two major molecular clades A. pelagica and A. kingsleyi – A. purpurea - A. quadrispinosa. Molecular data suggest that hitherto accepted species A. acanthitelsonis, A. pelagica, and A. sica should be considered as synonyms. The Atlantic is inhabited by at least two cryptic genetic lineages of A. pelagica and A. quadrispinosa. Morphological analyses of qualitative and quantitative (900 measurements) characters resulted in a tabular key to species and in a finding of four evolutionary traits. Atlantic species showed various scenarios of diversification visible on mitochondrial gene level, nuclear gene level, and morphological level. We recorded and discussed similar phylogeographic trends in diversification and in distribution of genetic lineages within two different clades: A. pelagica and A. kingsleyi – A. purpurea - A. quadrispinosa.

ATIMO VATAE, MAINBAZA, MD28 (SAFARI II), MUSORSTOM 9, SALOMONBOA 3, Walters Shoal

ATIMO VATAE, BIOMAGLO, MAINBAZA, MIRIKY, Walters Shoal

Hymenodora represents the most scantily studied branch of the pelagic shrimp belonging to the superfamily Oplophoroidea. We present a phylogenetic revision based on 80 morphological characters and six genes. Molecular and morphological phylogenetic analyses, along with molecular distances calculated with the use of six genes, suggest a family-level status of the clade Hymenodoridae including Hymenodora and Sclerodora, which is also supported by morphological characters linked to the mouthparts. We erect and diagnose a new family and provide a key to families of Oplophoroidea. We tested seven morphological characters, found that only one of them provides a confident identification of Hymenodora gracilis and Hymenodora glacialis complexes. We provide an amended key to species of Hymenodoridae. Molecular trees, along with genetic distances based on COI and 16S genetic markers, showed that H. gracilis and H. glacialis represent complexes of cryptic lineages that cannot be identified on the basis of solitary morphological characters; however, when we included seven morphological characters and ran principal component analysis and generalized linear mixed models, we could distinguish all cryptic lineages confidently. Evolutionary traits of Hymenodoridae are linked to adaptations to feeding in the deep sea (mouthparts), strengthening the membranous carapace (carinae, sulci) and passive defence (shape and proportions of the rostrum and carapace).

ATIMO VATAE, BIOPAPUA, MAINBAZA, NORFOLK 2, Walters Shoal

Abstract The shrimp genera Ephyrina, Meningodora and Notostomus have an unusual carapace strengthened with carinae and a half-serrated mandible, which may suggest a possible monophyly of this group. Here we test this hypothesis and present the first phylogenetic study of these genera based on 95 morphological characters (all valid species coded) and six molecular markers (71% of valid species sequenced). Representatives of all genera of Oplophoridae (sister to Acanthephyridae) were outgroups, 32 species belonging to all genera and potentially different clades of Acanthephyridae were ingroups. Both morphological and molecular analyses retrieve trees with similar topology. Our results reject the hypothesis of a clade formed by Ephyrina + Meningodora + Notostomus. We show that Ephyrina and Notostomus are monophyletic, both on morphological and on molecular trees, Meningodora gains support only on morphological trees. Evolutionary traits in the Ephyrina and Meningodora + Notostomus clades are different. Synapomorphies are mostly linked to adaptations to forward motion in Ephyrina (oar-like meri and ischia of pereopods, stempost-like rostrum) and to progressive strengthening of the carapace and pleon in Meningodora and Notostomus (net of sharp carinae). Unusual mandibles evolved in the clades independently and represent convergent adaptations to feeding on gelatinous organisms.

ATIMO VATAE, ???msg.security.private???, BIOPAPUA, ???msg.security.private???, GUYANE 2014, KAVIENG 2014, MAINBAZA, MD20 (SAFARI), MIRIKY, MUSORSTOM 2, MUSORSTOM 3, PAPUA NIUGINI, SALOMONBOA 3, Walters Shoal

ATIMO VATAE, BIOMAGLO, MAINBAZA, MIRIKY, Walters Shoal

Modern goniasterids are the most numerous of living asteroids in terms of described genera and species and they have important ecological roles from shallow to deep-water marine habitats. Recent MNHN expeditions and historical collections in the USNM have resulted in the discovery of 18 new species, three new genera and multiple new occurrence records from the western Indian Ocean region including Madagascar, Glorioso and Mayotte islands, Walters Shoal, South Africa, and Somalia. This report provides the first significant contribution to knowledge of deep-sea Asteroidea from the Indian Ocean since the late 20th Century. Several deep-sea species, previously known from the North Pacific are now reported from the western Indian Ocean. Gut contents from Stellaster and Ogmaster indicate deposit feeding. Feeding modes of this and other deep-sea species are discussed. Comments are made on fossil members of included taxa. A checklist of Indian Ocean Goniasteridae is also included.

ATIMO VATAE, BIOMAGLO, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, MAINBAZA, MD32 (REUNION), MIRIKY, NORFOLK 2, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, SALOMONBOA 3, Walters Shoal

Walters Shoal

ATIMO VATAE, BIOMAGLO, MAINBAZA, MIRIKY, Walters Shoal

In this study, we delved into the interaction between corallivorous marine gastropods, the muricid Coralliophilinae Chenu, 1859, and their cnidarian food targets. Coralliophilinae is a subfamily of specialised corallivorous caenogastropods that feed by browsing on octocorals or hexacorals. Only sparse information is available on the phylogenetic relationships and the degree of specificity of the trophic relationships within this corallivorous lineage. To address these gaps, we generated the largest molecular dataset to date, comprising two mitochondrial (cox1 and 16S rDNA) and one nuclear gene (ITS2 rDNA) from 586 specimens collected worldwide. The coral hosts of coralliophilines were identified through an integrative approach, combining literature data with new records, employing morphological and/or molecular markers, and incorporating data from DNA barcoding of the snail stomach content. Our comprehensive approach unveiled the existence of numerous cryptic species in Coralliophilinae, while the phylogeny showed that most of the currently accepted genera are not monophyletic. The molecular dating confirmed the origin of the Coralliophilinae in Middle Eocene, with diversification of most lineages during the Miocene. Our results indicate that the subfamily’s ancestor evolved in shallow waters in association with Scleractinia. Through the evolutionary history of Coralliophilinae, multiple host shifts to other cnidarian orders were observed, not correlated with changes in the depth range. The results of diversification analyses within the subfamily further suggest that the association with the host has influenced the evolutionary patterns of Coralliophilinae, but not vice versa.

ATIMO VATAE, BIOMAGLO, CONCALIS, CORSICABENTHOS 2, CORSICABENTHOS 3, EBISCO, EXBODI, GUYANE 2014, INHACA 2011, KARUBENTHOS 2, KAVIENG 2014, LIFOU 2000, MADIBENTHOS, MAINBAZA, MIRIKY, NORFOLK 2, NanHai 2014, PAKAIHI I TE MOANA, PANGLAO 2004, PANGLAO 2005, PAPUA NIUGINI, SANTO 2006, TARASOC, TERRASSES, Tuhaa Pae 2013, Walters Shoal, ZhongSha 2015

Eight species of deep-water porter crabs of the family Homolidae are recorded from Papua New Guinea from three MNHN-led cruises to these waters: Homola orientalis Henderson, 1888, Homola coriolisi Guinot & Richer de Forges, 1995, Homolomannia sibogae Ihle, 1912, Homolomannia occlusa Guinot & Richer de Forges, 1981, Paromolopsis boasi Wood-Mason in Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891, Lamoha woodmasoni n. sp., Ihlopsis multispinosa (Ihle, 1912) and Latreillopsis gracilipes Guinot & Richer de Forges, 1981. Most are new records for the country, Lamoha woodmasoni n. sp. appears to be the Pacific sister species of the Indian Ocean L. longipes (Alcock & Anderson, 1899). The old records of the latter species from the Solomon Islands are now referred to the new species. The taxonomy of the other species is also discussed. Saint Laurent, 1989: Platyaxius Sakai, 1994; Albatrossaxius Sakai, 2011; Platyaxiopsis Sakai, 2011 and Newzealandaxius Sakai, 2011. Calaxius tungi Zhong, 2000 is synonymised with C. sibogae (De Man, 1925), Eiconaxius bandaensis Sakai, 2011 is synonymised with E. sibogae (De Man, 1925) and Tethisea mindoro Poore, 1997 is synonymised with T. indica Poore, 1994. Acanthaxius clevai Ngoc-Ho, 2006 is transferred to Pillsburyaxius, now Pillsburyaxius clevai (Ngoc-Ho, 2006), new combination.

BATHUS 1, BIOCAL, BIOMAGLO, BIOPAPUA, BOA1, BORDAU 2, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, EBISCO, KARUBAR, KAVIENG 2014, LITHIST, MADEEP, MAINBAZA, MUSORSTOM 1, MUSORSTOM 10, MUSORSTOM 2, MUSORSTOM 3, MUSORSTOM 5, MUSORSTOM 6, MUSORSTOM 8, NORFOLK 1, PAPUA NIUGINI, SALOMON 1, SALOMONBOA 3, VOLSMAR, Walters Shoal

ATIMO VATAE, BENTHAUS, BIOMAGLO, BIOPAPUA, CALSUB, CHALCAL 1, CHALCAL 2, CORAIL 2, EBISCO, EXBODI, KANACONO, KANADEEP, KARUBAR, KAVIENG 2014, KOUMAC 2.3, LAGON, LIFOU 2000, MD08 (BENTHOS), MD32 (REUNION), MONTROUZIER, MUSORSTOM 1, MUSORSTOM 2, MUSORSTOM 3, MUSORSTOM 4, MUSORSTOM 6, MUSORSTOM 8, MUSORSTOM 9, PAKAIHI I TE MOANA, PALEO-SURPRISE, PAPUA NIUGINI, RAPA 2002, SANTO 2006, TARASOC, Walters Shoal

The genus Phylladiorhynchus Baba, 1969 currently contains 11 species, all occurring in the shallow waters and on the continental shelf of the Indian and Pacific oceans. Recent expeditions in these oceans have resulted in the collection of numerous new specimens in need of analysis. We have studied this material using an integrative approach analysing both morphological and molecular (COI and 16S) characters. We describe 41 new species and resurrect three old names: P. integrus (Benedict, 1902) and P. lenzi (Rathbun, 1907), previously synonymized with P. pusillus (Henderson, 1885), and P. serrirostris (Melin, 1939), previously synonymized with P. integrirostris (Dana, 1852). Most species of the genus are described and illustrated. Some species are barely discernible on the basis of morphological characters but are highly divergent genetically. Species of Phylladiorhynchus are mainly distinguishable by the number of epigastric spines and lateral spines of the carapace, the shape and the armature of the rostrum, the number and pattern of the ridges on the carapace and pleon, the shape of thoracic sternite 3 and the armature of the P2–4 dactyli. A dichotomous identification key to all species is provided.

ATIMO VATAE, BENTHAUS, BIOMAGLO, BIOPAPUA, CALSUB, CHALCAL 1, CHALCAL 2, CORAIL 2, EBISCO, EXBODI, KANACONO, KANADEEP, KARUBAR, KAVIENG 2014, KOUMAC 2.1, KOUMAC 2.3, LAGON, LIFOU 2000, MD08 (BENTHOS), MD32 (REUNION), MONTROUZIER, MUSORSTOM 1, MUSORSTOM 2, MUSORSTOM 3, MUSORSTOM 4, MUSORSTOM 6, MUSORSTOM 8, MUSORSTOM 9, PAKAIHI I TE MOANA, PALEO-SURPRISE, PAPUA NIUGINI, RAPA 2002, SANTO 2006, TARASOC, Walters Shoal

The phylogeny of sea spiders has been debated for more than a century. Despite several molecular studies in the last twenty years, interfamilial relationships remain uncertain. In the present study, relationships within Pyc­ nogonida are examined in the light of a new dataset composed of 160 mitochondrial genomes (including 152 new sequences) and 130 18S rRNA gene sequences (including 120 new sequences), from 141 sea spider mor­ phospecies representing 26 genera and 9 families. Node congruence between mitochondrial and nuclear markers was analysed to identify the most reliable relationships. We also reanalysed a multilocus dataset previously published and showed that the high percentages of missing data make phylogenetic conclusions difficult and uncertain.

ATIMO VATAE, BICOSE, BIOCAL, BIOMAGLO, BIOPAPUA, CEAMARC-AA, EXBODI, GUYANE 2014, ILES DU SALUT, KANACONO, KANADEEP, KARUBENTHOS 2012, KAVIENG 2014, MADIBENTHOS, MAINBAZA, MIRIKY, MONTROUZIER, MUSORSTOM 4, MUSORSTOM 8, PAPUA NIUGINI, SALOMONBOA 3, TARASOC, Walters Shoal

We present the most comprehensive phylogeny of a globally distributed deep-sea group of gastropods published to date including over 80% of the recognized diversity of the family Scaphandridae. The definition and taxo­ nomic composition of the Scaphandridae has been hampered by the lack of a sound phylogenetic framework and definition of synapomorphic traits. We used a combination of molecular phylogenetics (Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood) based on five gene markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA) and morpho-anatomical characters to redefine the Scaphandridae and its genera. A new classification is proposed with the three genera Nipponoscaphander, Sabatia, and Scaphander. Main differences between genera lie on the shells (shape, parietal callus, spire) and male reproductive system (prostate). The species Hamineobulla kawamurai is reassigned to the closely related family Eoscaphandridae, currently defined mostly based on pleisiomorphic traits. Biogeographically the genus Nipponoscaphander is restricted to the IndoWest Pacific; Sabatia is mostly circumscribed to the Indo-West Pacific, but has one lineage present in the north Atlantic Ocean. Polyphyly across ocean realms prevails in the specious and globally distributed genus Scaphander with multiple speciation events between Indo-Pacific and Atlantic lineages but also with several episodes of cladogenesis within realms. Two rare cases of species with a broad distribution spanning the Indo-West Pacific and Atlantic realms are confirmed (S. meridionalis and S. nobilis)

ATIMO VATAE, AURORA 2007, BIOPAPUA, CONCALIS, EBISCO, EXBODI, KARUBENTHOS 2, KAVIENG 2014, MADEEP, MAINBAZA, PANGLAO 2004, PANGLAO 2005, PAPUA NIUGINI, SALOMON 2, SALOMONBOA 3, TARASOC, Walters Shoal

Abstract Scaphander is a genus of mostly deep-sea, soft-bottom gastropods distributed nearly worldwide. Its taxonomic history is complex, with 32 species currently accepted, most based on shells only. In this work, we revise the diversity and systematics of Scaphander, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region, using a detailed morphological study and molecular phylogenetics. Conchological and anatomical characters, such as digestive and male reproductive systems were compared, and original descriptions and type material were investigated. Additionally, molecular species delimitation methods were used, such as Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) based on the gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and the multispecies coalescent method Species Tree And Classification Estimation, Yarely (STACEY) based on a dataset of five gene markers. Thirty-three Scaphander species were recognized worldwide, 10 still based only on shells. Five species are here described as new to science, namely Scaphander amygdalus sp. nov., Scaphander cornus sp. nov., Scaphander obnubilus sp. nov., Scaphander semicallus sp. nov. and Scaphander solomonensis sp. nov. The most diverse region is the Western Pacific (17 species), followed by the Atlantic (12 species) and the Indian Ocean (7 species).

DongSha 2014, KARUBAR, MAINBAZA, NanHai 2014, PANGLAO 2005, PAPUA NIUGINI, SALOMON 2, SALOMONBOA 3, Walters Shoal, ZhongSha 2015

The deep sea is the largest biome on Earth and hosts the majority of as yet undescribed species; description of these may trigger a new mindset about evolution and function of characters. We describe and diagnose a new genus and species Sclerodora crosnieri sp. nov. belonging to the superfamily Oplophoroidea. We examined and coded 81 characters for morphological analyses and used four gene markers for molecular analyses involving the new taxon and representatives of all other genera of Oplophoroidea. Retrieved morphological and molecular trees were similar and suggested that the new genus is a sister group to Hymenodora and both form a clade sister to the rest of Acanthephyridae. We provide an amended key to all genera of Oplophoroidea. We found an unusual chelate structure on the dactyl of the fifth pereopod, tested and confirmed a hypothesis that this structure is common for the whole family Acanthephyridae. We suggest that this derived structure is linked to an active cleaning of branchia—a function associated with chelipeds in some other carid shrimps. Convergent chelate structures are likely efficient for cleaning branchia, whichever appendage is adapted for these functions. In Oplophoridae (sister to Acanthephyridae), cleaning function is carried out by well-developed epipods.

ATIMO VATAE, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, Walters Shoal, caride 1

We describe and diagnose a new species of Acanthephyra (Acanthephyridae: Caridea: Decapoda) and provide an amended key to all species of the genus. In order to assess the taxonomic position of the new species, we examined and coded 55 characters in available specimens of Acanthephyra and ran morphological phylogenetic analyses. We also used a COI gene marker for molecular analyses of the new species and other available specimens of Acanthephyra. Both analyses retrieved an unexpected grouping of species that contradicted a recently accepted morphological grouping. We tested a new, quantitative, set of characters and found that three of them may explain the molecular grouping of the genus. These characters are linked to: (1) proportions of the 6th pleonic somite, (2) length of the same against carapace length, and (3) length of the same against length of two preceding somites. We suggest that these characters mirror evolutionary traits in Acanthephyra and discuss their possible adaptive sense.

???msg.security.private???, ATIMO VATAE, BENTHAUS, BIOPAPUA, GUYANE 2014, MAINBAZA, MD20 (SAFARI), MD28 (SAFARI II), MIRIKY, MUSORSTOM 2, MUSORSTOM 3, MUSORSTOM 9, SALOMONBOA 3, Walters Shoal

Delineating biogeographical regions can provide important insights into the processes shaping large‐scale species distribution patterns. Here we aimed to 1) identify global marine benthic biogeographical regions for ophiuroids extending from shallow waters to the deep sea and 2) quantify the importance of contemporary environmental conditions and geological features in shaping the delineated biogeographical regions. We delineated marine benthic biogeographical regions using a bipartite network analysis applied to a historical dataset of brittle stars. We then examined the faunal exchanges between the regions, and applied random forest models to evaluate the relative role of contemporary environmental conditions and tectonic configuration underlying the proposed biogeographic scheme. We propose ten main large biogeographical regions across the benthos. The biogeographical regions with the highest species richness and endemicity rates were found in the Indo‐Pacific region, Tropical West Atlantic and Southern Ocean, and South America. The key transition regions fall within the subarctic areas of the Pacific and the waters surrounding Southern Australia and New Zealand. Tectonic configuration, surface temperature and salinity were found to be the most important predictors of the ten delineated biogeographical regions. Our biogeographic delineation, including the deep sea, is in partial agreement with those proposed in previous studies. Our results suggest that contemporary environmental conditions (sea water temperature and salinity) strongly influence the modern distribution of ophiuroids, but that plate tectonics left a marked imprint on regional species pools. Future work based on multiple benthic taxa, and with a better understanding of the environmental conditions in the deep sea, are needed to evaluate the robustness of our proposed division.

ATIMO VATAE, AURORA 2007, AZTEQUE, BATHUS 1, BATHUS 2, BATHUS 3, BATHUS 4, BENTHAUS, BERYX 11, BIOCAL, BIOGEOCAL, BIOPAPUA, BOA1, BORDAU 1, BORDAU 2, CHALCAL 1, CHALCAL 2, CORAIL 2, CORINDON 2, DongSha 2014, EBISCO, EXBODI, GUYANE 2014, HALIPRO 1, HALIPRO 2, KANACONO, KANADEEP, KARUBAR, KARUBENTHOS 2, LAGON, LITHIST, MIRIKY, MUSORSTOM 1, MUSORSTOM 10, MUSORSTOM 2, MUSORSTOM 3, MUSORSTOM 4, MUSORSTOM 5, MUSORSTOM 6, MUSORSTOM 7, MUSORSTOM 8, MUSORSTOM 9, NORFOLK 1, PALEO-SURPRISE, PAPUA NIUGINI, SALOMON 2, SALOMONBOA 3, SANTO 2006, SMIB 1, SMIB 2, SMIB 3, SMIB 4, SMIB 5, SMIB 6, TAIWAN 2000, TARASOC, VAUBAN 1978-1979, VOLSMAR, Walters Shoal

ATIMO VATAE, BENTHEDI, BIOMAGLO, MAINBAZA, MD32 (REUNION), MIRIKY, SAYA, Walters Shoal

???msg.security.private???, ANT-XXIX_3, ATIMO VATAE, BATHUS 2, BATHUS 4, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, BENTHAUS, ???msg.security.private???, BIOCAL, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, BIOGEOCAL, BIOMAGLO, BIOPAPUA, ???msg.security.private???, CEAMARC-AA, CHALCAL 2, CONCALIS, CORINDON 2, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, ???msg.security.private???, EBISCO, EXBODI, HALIPRO 2, ???msg.security.private???, KANACONO, KANADEEP, KANADEEP 2, KARUBENTHOS 2, KAVIENG 2014, MADEEP, MD42 (SIBEX), MUSORSTOM 1, MUSORSTOM 10, MUSORSTOM 2, MUSORSTOM 4, MUSORSTOM 5, MUSORSTOM 6, MUSORSTOM 7, ???msg.security.private???, NORFOLK 2, NanHai 2014, ???msg.security.private???, SALOMON 1, SALOMON 2, SALOMONBOA 3, SPANBIOS, TAIWAN 2000, ???msg.security.private???, TARASOC, ???msg.security.private???, Walters Shoal, ZhongSha 2015