Uncovering the Evolutionary History in Lineage of Caribbean Octocorals: Phylogenomics Reveals Unrecognized Diversity in <i>Eunicea</i>
The evolutionary history of the Caribbean candelabrum octocorals from the genus <i>Eunicea</i> (Plexauridae: Octocorallia) remains unknown despite their high diversity and abundance in reef environments. Understanding the evolutionary relationships between and within the <i>Eunicea...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Diversity |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/3/173 |
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| Summary: | The evolutionary history of the Caribbean candelabrum octocorals from the genus <i>Eunicea</i> (Plexauridae: Octocorallia) remains unknown despite their high diversity and abundance in reef environments. Understanding the evolutionary relationships between and within the <i>Eunicea</i> species is critical to accurately measuring the group diversity. Furthermore, this group has a high potential for cryptic diversity and new species, particularly given the rich morphological variability. Conventional molecular markers, however, have not provided a precise positioning for the species inside the genus. Here, we provide the first phylogenomic reconstruction of these candelabrum octocorals employing NextRAD, a reduced-representation sequencing technique, to generate thousands of SNPs. We include 15 morphospecies sampled between valid and new species throughout the Caribbean. At large, the phylogeny is well supported and resolved. In total, 13 species-level clades are discernible, including two lineages with demonstrated genetic and morphological variation that are considered and described as two new species, <i>Eunicea criptica</i> sp. nov. and <i>E. colombiensis</i> sp. nov., both previously assigned as <i>E. clavigera</i> and the second as the “thick morphotype”, thereby increasing the diversity of the group. Understanding the magnitude of species diversity within <i>Eunicea</i> is essential for directing conservation initiatives and clarifying the biological processes in reef ecosystems. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-2818 |