Range extension and morphological variability of Ophioderma longicaudum (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) at the South-West Atlantic coast of France
Résumé
Specimens of the brittle star genus Ophioderma were found at the South-West Atlantic coast of France. They were sampled between 2 and 40 m depth. Morphologically, these specimens were most similar to O. longicaudum and O. hybridum. Molecular analysis for a mitochondrial marker (COI) and nuclear marker EF1 sequences from twelve specimens showed that only O. longicaudum was present in this study, with a higher morphological variability than previously described. They represent the northernmost confirmed record for this species, yet.