Expect the unexpected: a new large species of Marionia (Heterobranchia : Nudibranchia : Tritoniidae) from western Europe

• DOI: 10.1071/is17073
• Publication Date: 2018-08-20T01:54:11Z
• Authors: Bruno Almón; Jacinto Pérez; Manuel Caballer
• Keywords: Monophyly; Nudibranch; PhyloCode; Systematic Entomology

The target species of this work is a large tritonid nudibranch, relatively common in Galician waters (north-western Spain), where it has been regularly observed since the year 2000. To date, misidentified as Tritonia hombergii, from northern latitudes, because its remarkable size. On other hand, external anatomy specimens north-western Spain resembles that Marionia blainvillea, Mediterranean. untangle real taxonomic identity species, detailed anatomical study was performed, revealing several morphological differences led us to consider specimen new science. A phylogenetic analysis conducted for both 16S and COI genes try establish systematic position relation with taxa. gemmii, sp. nov. differs all known Tritoniidae size, colour pattern, number velar processes, presence stomach plates, radular formula, shape spawning masses even feeding habits. results support comprehensive also make clear most tritoniid genera currently recognised are not monophyletic major revision family needed. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:91332872-9020-4D06-8B1C-2E7654D54E1A