A partial review of the European Magelonidae (Annelida: Polychaeta): Magelona mirabilis redefined and M. johnstoni sp. nov. distinguished

Abstract

The identification of magelonids with mucronate chaetae on chaetiger 9 has long been confused. Until 1977 all corresponding European specimens were erroneously referred to Magelona papillicornis; a Brazilian species. Since then, but without any detailed study, the name M. mirabilis (originally given to a species from Scotland) has been widely employed. However, in recent years, it has become clear that two morphologically similar species coexist in European waters. Magelona mirabilis is redescribed and a neotype designated, and M. johnstoni sp. nov. is formally distinguished. Following re-examination of the other five species present in the region, a dichotomous key and a synoptic table of characters is provided for all seven European species.

PortugueseMagelona(Annelida: Magelonidae) with a description of a new species, a re-description ofMagelona wilsoniGlémarec, 1966 and a key to adult Magelonidae from European waters

“…Thirty-five specimens found at 12 SEPLAT stations in sandy mud, muddy sand and sand, 17-54 m. Additional records in fine to coarse sands, between 8.9 and 93.9 m. Fiege et al (2000) south Portugal; present study. …”

“…The only previous record of this species in Portuguese waters by Ravara (1997) was later corrected to M. johnstoni by the same author, when depositing the specimens in the collections of the University of Aveiro (Ravara personal communication). Fiege et al (2000) detail the habitat of this species as being intertidal (mid to lower shore) to 32 m, which is at the upper end of depths covered by the SEPLAT campaign and may explain its absence within this material. Additionally, this single specimen was collected from Ria de Alvor, a semi-closed tidal estuary in shallow water, and may explain its absence from open water.…”

“…The terminology used to describe parapodial structures are as detailed by Mortimer and Mackie (2003), according to their shape and position. Measurements were taken as detailed in Fiege et al (2000) and staining patterns were observed using methyl green, as detailed by Mackie and Gobin (1993). Type material has been deposited at Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Frankfurt (SMF), National Museum Wales, Cardiff (NMW) and Museu Nacional de História Natural, Lisboa (MB).…”

“…Previous records off Aveiro by Ravara (1997) were later re-identified as M. johnstoni by the same author, based on Fiege et al (2000). Material from this collection has been reviewed and confirmed as M. johnstoni (see below under M. johnstoni).…”

“…Fiege, Licher and Mackie (2000) carried out a partial review of the European Magelonidae, describing Magelona johnstoni and raising the number of known species to seven. An eighth European species, Octomagelona bizkaiensis Aguirrezabalaga, Ceberio & Fiege, 2001 was subsequently described from the Bay of Biscay.…”