UnmaskingAureliaspecies in the Mediterranean Sea: an integrative morphometric and molecular approach

• DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12494
• Publication Date: 2016-10-21T05:22:43Z
• Authors: Simonetta Scorrano; Giorgio Aglieri; Ferdinando Boero; Michael N. Dawson; Stefano Piraino
• Keywords: Scyphozoa; Aurelia aurita; Species complex

Molecular analyses have led to an increased knowledge of the number and distribution morphologically cryptic species in world's oceans and, concomitantly, identification non-indigenous (NIS). Traditional taxonomy accurate delimitation species' life histories autecology lag far behind, however, even for most widely distributed taxa, such as moon jellyfish Aurelia (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) complex. Here we analysed mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA (28S) gene sequences assign polyps, ephyrae, medusae collected Mediterranean Sea different phylogenetic species. We find evidence three species, none which are referable type genus, aurita (Linnaeus, 1758), describe anatomical, morphometric, developmental variation within between them. identify coerulea von Lendenfeld, 1884 solida Browne, 1905 established Sea. relicta sp. nov., endemic currently unique a population marine lake Mljet (Croatia). These results demonstrate usefulness integrative approaches resolving taxonomic uncertainty surrounding complexes, identifying patterns biodiversity, recognizing ecosystems.