Polychaetes of Greece: an updated and annotated checklist

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Taxonomy
• Biogeography

Background:

• The last annotated marine polychaete checklist for Greece was published in 2001.
• Significant taxonomic advancements and new species records necessitate an updated national species list.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the taxonomic, nomenclatural, and biogeographic status of marine polychaetes in the Greek Exclusive Economic Zone.
• To compile an updated inventory of polychaete species within the Greek Taxon Information System initiative.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of reports from 1832 to present.
• Analysis of online databases, museum collections, and unpublished datasets.
• Taxonomic and biogeographic assessment of reported polychaete species.

Main Results:

• An updated inventory includes 836 species-level taxa, with 142 deemed questionable and 84 excluded.
• Fourteen new species records for Greek waters are reported; 47 species are identified as non-native.
• Eleven genera are recorded without species-level identification; one replacement name is introduced.

Conclusions:

• The checklist provides a comprehensive, annotated inventory of polychaetes in Greek waters.
• Findings contribute to understanding Mediterranean polychaete biogeography and taxonomic practices.
• The study highlights the presence of cryptic and non-native species, emphasizing ongoing research needs.