The invasive coral Oculina patagonica has not been recently introduced to the Mediterranean from the western Atlantic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Effective policies, management, and scientific research programs depend on the correct identification of invasive species as being either native or introduced. However, many species continue to be misidentified. Oculina patagonica, first recorded in the Mediterranean Sea in 1966, is believed to have been introduced in anthropogenic times and expanding in a west to east direction. However, its present identification and status as a recently introduced species remain to be explored. In this study, we used multi-locus genetic data to test whether O. patagonica in the Mediterranean has been recently introduced from the western North Atlantic.

Results

We found no genetic or historical demographic evidence to support a recent introduction of O. patagonica from the weste

SUBMITTER: Leydet KP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4418043 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature