Exploring abyssal solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora) diversity with the study of a collection from the Brazil Basin and the description of three new species
摘要
Solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora) are widespread across all oceans and depths, yet remain among the least understood molluscs. Despite frequent collection in deep-sea surveys, only 10% of species have been described from depths below 3500 m, largely due to the labor-intensive nature of their identifications. This study examines specimens from the DIVA 3 expedition (Me 79/1, 2009) in the Brazil Basin and describes three new abyssal species of Wirenia Odhner, 1921 (W. bertae sp. nov., W. meteori sp. nov., and W. opistodenticulata sp. nov.), the first formally described Gymnomeniidae from the abyss and the southern hemisphere. Using an integrative morphological approach (SEM, light microscopy, histology), we highlight the value of external sclerite characters for species delimitation. We also present a synthesis of known abyssal solenogaster diversity focused on the formally described taxa and outlining recent progress and future research priorities. Our findings emphasize the importance of deep-sea exploration and taxonomy in closing major knowledge gaps in marine biodiversity.