A New Holoplanktonic Nudibranch (Nudibranchia: Phylliroidae) from the Central Mexican Pacific
Pelagic nudibranchs exemplify evolutionary convergences towards streamlined, transparent body forms adapted for life in the planktonic environment. Here, we describe a new genera and species, designated as <i>Pleuropyge melaquensis</i> gen. et sp. nov. This species belongs to the family...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Diversity |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/7/479 |
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| Summary: | Pelagic nudibranchs exemplify evolutionary convergences towards streamlined, transparent body forms adapted for life in the planktonic environment. Here, we describe a new genera and species, designated as <i>Pleuropyge melaquensis</i> gen. et sp. nov. This species belongs to the family Phylliroidae and is distinguished by key diagnostic characters, including a laterally positioned anus approximately one-third of the body length from the head, the absence of a cephalic disc, and an anterior hepatic caecum that is longer than the intestine. The description of <i>P. melaquensis</i> contributes to the classification of a third genus and a fourth species within the Phylliroidae family. This study offers novel insights into the functional and structural traits that have enabled nudibranchs to transition from benthic to pelagic environments. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-2818 |