Atlantic West Ophiothrix spp. in the scope of integrative taxonomy: Confirming the existence of Ophiothrix trindadensis Tommasi, 1970

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210331
• Publication Date: 2019-01-23T19:14:48Z
• Authors: Renata Aparecida ...; Antonia Cecília Z...; Letícia Dias de O...; Helena Serrano; Karin Regina Seger; Pablo Damian Borg...; Maikon Di Domenico; Ana Beardsley Chr...; Luciana Bolsoni L...; Marcos Tavares; Michela Borges
• Keywords: Type locality; Species complex; Molecular taxonomy

We re-describe and confirm the validity of Ophiothrix trindadensis Tommasi, 1970 (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea). This is a native species from Brazil, however it lacked type series deposited in scientific collections. The recognition O. was made possible using integrative taxonomy applied to many specimens locality (Trindade Island) as well different locations along Brazilian coast (Araçá Bay Estuarine Complex Paranaguá). Initially, 835 were studied divided into four candidate (CS) inferred external morphological characters. Afterwards, CSs compared based on morphology, arm microstructures morphology (arm ossicle), morphometry, molecular studies (fragments mitochondrial genes 16S COI). Analyses indicated CS1 CS2 trindadensis, CS3 angulata, both valid species. CS4 remains cf. angulata more data, including their ecology physiology, are needed be definitively clarified. Our investigation overcame lack increased reliable identification angulata.