Hiding in broad daylight: Molecular and morphological data reveal a new ocean sunfish species (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) that has eluded recognition

M. Nyegaard; E. Sawai; N. Gemmell; J. Gillum; N.R. Loneragan; Y. Yamanoue; A.L Stewart

doi:10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx040

Back

Hiding in broad daylight: Molecular and morphological data reveal a new ocean sunfish species (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) that has eluded recognition

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Hiding in broad daylight: Molecular and morphological data reveal a new ocean sunfish species (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) that has eluded recognition

M. Nyegaard, E. Sawai, N. Gemmell, J. Gillum, N.R. Loneragan, Y. Yamanoue and A.L Stewart

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Vol.182(3), pp.631-658

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx040

Files and links (1)

url

Link to Published Version *Subscription may be requiredView

Abstract

The taxonomy of the ocean sunfishes (Molidae) has a complicated history. Currently, three genera and four species are recognized, including two in the genus Mola (M. mola and M. ramsayi). In 2009, a genetic study revealed a potential third species, Mola species C, in Southeast Australian waters. Concentrating on this region, we obtained samples and morphological data from 27 Mola sp. C specimens, genetically confirmed the existence of this species (mtDNA D-loop and cytochrome c oxidase 1), and established its morphology across a size spectrum of 50–242 cm total length. Mola sp. C is diagnosed by clavus meristics [15–17 fin rays (13–15 principal, 2 minor), 5–7 ossicles, paraxial ossicles separate], clavus morphology (prominent smooth band back-fold, rounded clavus edge with an indent), and body scale morphology (raised conical midpoints, non-branching). This species does not develop a protruding snout, or swollen dorso- or ventrolateral ridges. Body proportions remain similar with growth. A review of the historic literature revealed that Mola sp. C is a new, hitherto undescribed species, M. tecta, which we describe and diagnose, and that it is the first proposed addition to the genus Mola in 125 years. Its core distribution is likely in the temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere.

Details

Title: Hiding in broad daylight: Molecular and morphological data reveal a new ocean sunfish species (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) that has eluded recognition
Authors/Creators: M. Nyegaard (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
E. Sawai (Author/Creator) - Hiroshima University
N. Gemmell (Author/Creator) - University of Otago
J. Gillum (Author/Creator) - University of Otago
N.R. Loneragan (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
Y. Yamanoue (Author/Creator) - The University of Tokyo
A.L Stewart (Author/Creator) - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Publication Details: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Vol.182(3), pp.631-658
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing Inc
Identifiers: 991005539583007891
Copyright: © 2018 Oxford University Press
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites

Metrics

54 Record Views

30 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.2 Marine Biology; 3.2.92 Fisheries Ecology
Web Of Science research areas: Zoology
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science