An integrative taxonomic approach reveals Octopus insularis as the dominant species in the Veracruz Reef System (southwestern Gulf of Mexico).

ABSTRACT: The common octopus of the Veracruz Reef System (VRS, southwestern Gulf of Mexico) has historically been considered as Octopus vulgaris, and yet, to date, no study including both morphological and genetic data has tested that assumption. To assess this matter, 52 octopuses were sampled in different reefs within the VRS to determine the taxonomic identity of this commercially valuable species using an integrative taxonomic approach through both morphological and genetic analyses. Morphological and genetic data confirmed that the common octopus of the VRS is not O. vulgaris and determined that it is, in fact, the recently described O. insularis. Morphological measurements, counts, indices, and other characteristics such as specific colour patterns, closely matched what ha

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez-Gomez R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6286802 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature