title: Combined morphological and molecular data unveils relationships ofPseudobranchiomma(Sabellidae, Annelida) and reveals higher diversity of this intriguing group of fan worms in Australia, including potentially introduced species.
abstract: Pseudobranchiomma(Sabellidae, Annelida) is a small and heterogeneous group of fan worms found in shallow marine environments and is generally associated with hard substrates. The delineation and composition of this genus is problematic since it has been defined only by plesiomorphic characters that are widely distributed among other sabellids. In this study we have combined morphological and molecular (mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences) data to evaluate species diversity in Australia and assess the phylogenetic relationships of these and other related sabellids. Unlike morphological data alone, molecular data and combined datasets suggest monophyly ofPseudobranchiomma. In this study, a new species ofPseudobranchiommais described and three others are considered as potential unintentional introductions to Australian waters, one of them reported for the first time for the continent.Pseudobranchiomma pallidasp. n.bears 4-6 serrations along the radiolar flanges, lacks radiolar eyes and has uncini with three transverse rows of teeth over the main fang. In the new species the colour pattern as well is characteristic and species specific.
authors.affiliation: NTNU University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Capa
authors.affiliation: Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William St, Sydney, 2010, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murray
keywords: dichotomous key; feather duster worms; invasive species; new species; sabellids; taxonomy; translocations