The point on Opaliopsis atlantis (Gastropoda: Epitoniidae) distribution: new data from the Mediterranean and implications

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2020.60.59

Keywords:

Epitoniidae, Amphi-Atlantic, Mediterranean, Bathyal, Biogeography

Abstract

Specimens of the rare amphi-Atlantic epitoniid Opaliopsis atlantis have been recorded in the Strait of Messina (central Mediterranean) from a hydrozoan stylasterid-rich habitat. The record, which adds a new site to the sporadic occurrences of this prevalently deep-water species, may be considered the first contextualized report from Mediterranean Sea. Opaliopsis atlantis displays a planktotrophic larval development functional for long-range colonization of favorable habitats. Its discontinuous distribution all over its broad geographic range highlights the potential role of Atlantic seamounts as stepping-stones for transoceanic dispersal. Although no conclusive information is yet available upon the feeding requirements of O. atlantis all over its range, we suggest that this cnidarian-ectoparasitic prosobranch could adapt to different hosts, as a strategy that may enhance its wide biogeographic distribution.

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Author Biographies

  • Salvatore Giacobbe, Università degli Studi di Messina (UNIME), Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali (CHIBIOFARAM) - Messina, Italia.

    Viale Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italia.

  • Walter Renda, Private researcher - Amantea, Italia.

    Via Bologna 18/A, 87032, Amantea, Italia.

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Published

2020-11-16

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Original Article

How to Cite

The point on Opaliopsis atlantis (Gastropoda: Epitoniidae) distribution: new data from the Mediterranean and implications. (2020). Papéis Avulsos De Zoologia, 60, e20206059. https://doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2020.60.59