Vol. 62, 2023
(update: 2023.8.10)
Integrative Systematics and
Biogeography of the Hydrozoans (Leptothecata: Eirenidae) Eirene menoni
Kramp, 1953 and Eirene lacteoides Kubota and Horita, 1992 from Japan
and China with Comments on Pacific Ocean Distributions
Gerald L. Crow1,*, Brenden S. Holland2, Gaku Yamamoto3, Shuhei Ikeda4, Aya Adachi3, and Kelley Niide5
doi:-
1Ocean Research Explorations, P. O. Box 235926, Honolulu, Hawaii 96823. *Correspondence E-mail gcrow@hawaii.edu (Crow)
2Department
of Natural Sciences, College of Natural and Computer Sciences, Hawaii
Pacific University, 45-045 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744.
E-mail bholland@hpu.edu (Holland)
3Enoshima
Aquarium, 2-19-1 Katase Kaigan, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture 251-0035,
Japan. E-mail g-yamamoto@enosui.com (Yamamoto), adati@enosui.com
(Adachi)
4Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium, 656
Okubo Imaizumi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture 997-1206, Japan. E-mail
s.ikeda@kamo-kurage.jp (Ikeda)
5Waikiki Aquarium, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. E-mail kelleyl@hawaii.edu (Niide)
(Received 4 November 2022 / Accepted 4 August 2023 / Published -- 2023)
Communicated by James D. Reimer
The
hydrozoan family Eirenidae is known scientifically for its
morphological plasticity and challenges in species identification. We
used an integrative taxonomic approach based on morphological,
molecular and life history evidence to systematically assess
field-collected medusae of Eirene menoni Kramp 1953 and captive raised polyps of both E. menoni and E. lacteoides
Kubota and Horita 1992. Following morphological review, we updated the
genus description to include the presence of rudimentary bulbs (warts)
on the ring canal in at least eight of the 24 valid Eirene species. We propose the potential for the mature E. menoni
hydrotheca to develop into a gonotheca, however, this will require
additional study for verification. We provide validated distribution
records from the Indo-Pacific Ocean for E. menoni, and updated collection records for E. lacteoides from the Yellow and East China Seas, and public aquaria-cultured specimens from Japan and Hawaii, using cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences that we generated compared with those from GenBank. The COI
gene reliably separated four species, each forming a monophyletic clade
with strong bootstrap support and low mean intraspecific molecular
divergences (≤ 1%) within clades. However, some of the deeper nodes of
the tree remained poorly resolved, and our analysis failed to
demonstrate monophyly among eirenid genera Eirene and Tima. Our integrative taxonomic approach is essential in confirming species identity within the family Eirenidae and genus Eirene, and we have also identified a likely range expansion of E. lacteoides to Hawaii.
Key words: Hydrozoa, Leptomedusae, Plasticity, Campanulinida hydroid, COI mtDNA
Citation:
Crow GL, Holland BS, Yamamoto G, Ikeda S, Adachi A, Niide K. 2023.
Integrative systematics and biogeography of the hydrozoans
(Leptothecata: Eirenidae) Eirene menoni Kramp, 1953 and Eirene lacteoides Kubota and Horita, 1992 from Japan and China with comments on Pacific Ocean distributions. Zool Stud 62:49.

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