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Is Neospongodes atlantica an endemic species living in the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil or an invasive soft coral?
Soft corals (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) are discrete components of reef communities in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean.
In Brazil, the native fauna of shallow octocoral reefs is mainly represented by gorgonians.
With the exception of Neospongodes atlantica, most known soft corals from this region are therefore considered non-native.
Until now, the monotypic genus Neospongodes, proposed in the early 20th century, was considered endemic to the northeastern coast of Brazil.
Based on in situ records, it can be inferred that Neospongodes atlantica is a substrate generalist that has likely expanded its distribution by dominating extensive shallow and mesophotic sandy and reef bottoms, displacing other benthic reef organisms, including Brazilian endemic species.
Based on previously unidentified museum specimens, new records, and a comprehensive literature review, the most comprehensive modeling of the potential distribution of this species in the southwestern Atlantic is described.
Based on molecular conclusions supported by detailed morphological analyses, the probable non-native and therefore ancient introduction of Neospongodes atlantica into Brazilian waters is discussed.
Synonym: Neospongodes bahiensis Kükenthal, 1903 · unaccepted > junior subjective synonym
Our special thanks for the first photo of Neospongodes atlantica go to Dr. Freire de Carvalho-Souza, Brazil!
Soft corals (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) are discrete components of reef communities in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean.
In Brazil, the native fauna of shallow octocoral reefs is mainly represented by gorgonians.
With the exception of Neospongodes atlantica, most known soft corals from this region are therefore considered non-native.
Until now, the monotypic genus Neospongodes, proposed in the early 20th century, was considered endemic to the northeastern coast of Brazil.
Based on in situ records, it can be inferred that Neospongodes atlantica is a substrate generalist that has likely expanded its distribution by dominating extensive shallow and mesophotic sandy and reef bottoms, displacing other benthic reef organisms, including Brazilian endemic species.
Based on previously unidentified museum specimens, new records, and a comprehensive literature review, the most comprehensive modeling of the potential distribution of this species in the southwestern Atlantic is described.
Based on molecular conclusions supported by detailed morphological analyses, the probable non-native and therefore ancient introduction of Neospongodes atlantica into Brazilian waters is discussed.
Synonym: Neospongodes bahiensis Kükenthal, 1903 · unaccepted > junior subjective synonym
Our special thanks for the first photo of Neospongodes atlantica go to Dr. Freire de Carvalho-Souza, Brazil!
