The occurrence of Scolymia cubensis in Brazil: revising the problem of the Caribbean solitary mussids

• DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.1366.1.2
• Publication Date: 2019-05-28T06:11:00Z
• Authors: ELIZABETH NEVES; RODRIGO JOHNSSON; CLAUDIO SAMPAIO; MICHEL PICHON
• Keywords: Identification

Identification of scleractinian corals is traditionally based upon morphological analysis skeleton traits. However, due to the influence environment on coral development, and pattern highly variable most diagnostical characters, additional information related anatomy soft parts, reproductive behavior ecological interactions have been argued support distinction among similar morphotypes. Caribbean South Atlantic Scolymia comprise a small group solitary zooxanthellate corals: lacera, S. cubensis wellsii far subject taxonomical misunderstandings. Aggressive bewteen lacera were useful validate their specific status. Nevertheless, has erroneously suggested be synonym cubensis. Following Laborel, Lang Wells’ studies, we reinforce individuality species, confirming occurrence Brazil. Supporting newly-reported occurrences species along Brazilian littoral, this finding likely contribute with new perspective assess ‘variability’ corals. A key for identification provided.