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<p>The small turbellarian-like gastropod <i>Rhodope</i> is found worldwide, with currently eight recognised species, as well as a few unidentified <i>Rhodope</i> species. <i>Rhodope veranii</i> (Heterobranchia, Mesoneura) is the species first recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. Typical to this family, it lacks distinctive features of heterobranchs, such as a heart, gills, shell, or radula. Molecular analysis has placed it as basal Heterobranchia. <i>Rhodope veranii</i> has been known from the Mediterranean Sea for over two hundred years. Due to its cryptic lifecycle, it has only been described from a few locations across the basin, mainly from the northern parts. As part of the meiofauna, it is reported from shallow waters up to 14-m depth, associated with sand, gravel, and various algae. This simultaneous hermaphrodite ranges in size from 1 to a maximum of 8&#xa0;mm. This study reports the presence of <i>R. veranii</i> across multiple substrates in a natural bay off the western coast of Libya. In addition to providing a list of nominal <i>Rhodope</i> species, this report represents the first record of the species in both Libyan waters and North Africa.</p>

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Review of the Rhodopoidea (Mollusca, Heterobranchia) with the first record of Rhodope veranii Koelliker, 1847 from Libyan waters

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月16日

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  • Jamila Rizgalla

摘要

The small turbellarian-like gastropod Rhodope is found worldwide, with currently eight recognised species, as well as a few unidentified Rhodope species. Rhodope veranii (Heterobranchia, Mesoneura) is the species first recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. Typical to this family, it lacks distinctive features of heterobranchs, such as a heart, gills, shell, or radula. Molecular analysis has placed it as basal Heterobranchia. Rhodope veranii has been known from the Mediterranean Sea for over two hundred years. Due to its cryptic lifecycle, it has only been described from a few locations across the basin, mainly from the northern parts. As part of the meiofauna, it is reported from shallow waters up to 14-m depth, associated with sand, gravel, and various algae. This simultaneous hermaphrodite ranges in size from 1 to a maximum of 8 mm. This study reports the presence of R. veranii across multiple substrates in a natural bay off the western coast of Libya. In addition to providing a list of nominal Rhodope species, this report represents the first record of the species in both Libyan waters and North Africa.