Cryptic Diversity and Genetic Differentiation of Mesophotic Hydroids in the Southwestern Indian Ocean.

ABSTRACT: The western Indian Ocean (WIO) is recognized as a marine biodiversity hotspot with complex oceanographic circulation resulting in limited connectivity between remote islands. This ocean region comprises several subregions of varying biodiversity, with the northern Mozambique Channel standing out as the core of this hotspot. Although the hydroids in this region are known to include cryptic species and show contrasting connectivity patterns, the mesophotic depths remain largely unexplored. The Deep Reef Refuge Hypothesis suggests that mesophotic coral ecosystems may act as refuges. However, this hypothesis is based on several prerequisites that could be affected by the presence of cryptic species. We investigated the genetic diversity and connectivity of seven hydroid species by collecting s

SUBMITTER: Ory D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12710443 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature