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Idan, T.; Shefer, S.; Feldstein, T.; Ilan, M. (2021). New discoveries in Eastern Mediterranean mesophotic sponge grounds: updated checklist and description of three novel sponge species. Mediterranean Marine Science. 22 (2): 270-284.
404100
10.12681/mms.25837 [view]
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BA9B3180-860F-48D6-8C5F-EAF8CCD8B130 [view]
Idan, T.; Shefer, S.; Feldstein, T.; Ilan, M.
2021
New discoveries in Eastern Mediterranean mesophotic sponge grounds: updated checklist and description of three novel sponge species
Mediterranean Marine Science
22 (2): 270-284
Publication
Available for editors  PDF available
Rich and diverse mesophotic sponge grounds were recently discovered along the easternmost part of the Mediterranean Sea (Israeli coast). Seven sites have been surveyed over the last decade (2009-2019) and the sponge specimens discovered and collected in these expeditions have increased the known sponge richness of the Israeli fauna by ~34%. Here we provide an updated checklist along with the distribution of the various species in seven mesophotic sponge grounds along the coast. Nine mesophotic species have been added, seven of which are new to the Israeli coast. Moreover, we describe three novel species: Hemiasterella verae sp. nov., Axinella venusta sp. nov., and Plakortis mesophotica sp. nov. H. verae sp. nov. differs from other congeneric species in both shape and color; in addition, it has thinner megascleres with more abundant oxeas and microscleres containing both oxyasters and strongylasters. A. venusta sp. nov. is a rather stiff and smooth axinellid with only a few short protruding spicules, and differs from other congeneric species mainly in shape and color. P. mesophotica sp. nov. is characterized by many folds and grooves, and molecular analysis revealed only a 96% similarity with Plakorits simplex.The discovery of these novel species highlights the importance of studying ecosystems that are not readily accessible. Further research of these mesophotic sponge grounds is needed in order to establish the community baseline data and support conservation attempts for these unique habitats.
Mediterranean Sea in general
Biodiversity, Taxonomic and ecological diversity
Systematics, Taxonomy
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2021-04-08 21:42:35Z
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Aaptos aaptos (Schmidt, 1864) (additional source)
Agelas oroides (Schmidt, 1864) (additional source)
Aplysina cavernicola (Vacelet, 1959) (additional source)
Axinella damicornis (Esper, 1794) (additional source)
Axinella polypoides Schmidt, 1862 (additional source)
Axinella verrucosa (Esper, 1794) (additional source)
Calyx nicaeensis (Risso, 1827) (additional source)
Chondrosia reniformis Nardo, 1847 (additional source)
Corticium candelabrum Schmidt, 1862 (additional source)
Coscinoderma sporadense Voultsiadou-Koukoura, van Soest & Koukouras, 1991 (additional source)
Dictyonella incisa (Schmidt, 1880) (additional source)
Fasciospongia cavernosa (Schmidt, 1862) (additional source)
Haliclona poecillastroides (Vacelet, 1969) (additional source)
Ircinia dendroides (Schmidt, 1862) (additional source)
Ircinia oros (Schmidt, 1864) (additional source)
Ircinia variabilis (Schmidt, 1862) (additional source)
Oscarella lobularis (Schmidt, 1862) (additional source)
Oscarella tuberculata (Schmidt, 1868) (additional source)
Petrosia (Petrosia) ficiformis (Poiret, 1789) (additional source)
Phorbas tenacior (Topsent, 1925) (additional source)
Phorbas topsenti Vacelet & PĂ©rez, 2008 (additional source)
Raspailia (Raspailia) viminalis Schmidt, 1862 (additional source)
Sarcotragus foetidus Schmidt, 1862 (additional source)
Sarcotragus spinosulus Schmidt, 1862 (additional source)
Spongia (Spongia) lamella (Schulze, 1879) (additional source)
Spongia (Spongia) nitens (Schmidt, 1862) (additional source)
Spongia (Spongia) zimocca Schmidt, 1862 (additional source)
Stryphnus mucronatus (Schmidt, 1868) (additional source)
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