Shallow Suberitida (Porifera, Demospongiae) from Peru

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Invertebrate Zoology
• Taxonomy

Background:

• The Suberitida order of sponges is poorly documented in Peru.
• Previous studies focused on deeper environments, leaving shallow-water biodiversity largely unexplored.
• International projects provided opportunities for extensive marine sampling along the Peruvian coast.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe sponge species belonging to the Suberitida order collected along the Peruvian coast.
• To document new species and range extensions for known species.
• To assess the biodiversity of shallow-water sponges in Peru.

Main Methods:

• Morphological analysis of 81 sponge specimens collected down to 30 m depth.
• Taxonomic identification based on physical characteristics and spicule morphology.
• Comparison with existing taxonomic records and literature.

Main Results:

• Eight species of Suberitida were identified: Halichondria (H.) cristata, H. (H.) prostrata, Hymeniacidon perlevis, Johannesia reticulosa, Plicatellopsis expansa, Suberites aff. latus, Terpios cf. granulosus, and Suberites inti sp. nov.
• Halichondria (H.) cristata, H. (H.) prostrata, and Plicatellopsis expansa showed extended distribution ranges along the Peruvian coast.
• Hymeniacidon perlevis was reported for the first time in the SE Pacific, with potential invasive characteristics. Suberites inti sp. nov. is described as a new species provisionally endemic to Paracas.

Conclusions:

• The number of known shallow-water Suberitida species in Peru increased from 2 to 9.
• The study highlights unexpected occurrences of species, suggesting the need for further molecular investigation.
• Future sampling in deeper waters may reveal additional new records and species.