Another candidate to human-mediated transport: molecular evidence confirms that Alitta succinea (Nereididae: Annelida) is a widespread species

Abstract

Polychaetes are annelids predominantly marine and constitute an important part of marine communities. The genus Alitta, of the family Nereididae, comprises nine recognized species, including Alitta succinea, considered cosmopolitan. The species was first described from the Helgoland (Germany) and has been recorded on the Brazilian coast. However, evidence suggests that A. succinea might be a complex of cryptic species. The aim of this short communication is molecularly analyzing specimens of Alitta succinea to ascertain the status of the species in Brazil. The study encompassed molecular analyses of COI and 16S sequences using data obtained from eight specimens collected from three localities at Rio de Janeiro and seven specimens collected from Santa Catarina, in addition to available data from GenBank and BOLD Systems. Molecular analyses clustered specimens from Brazil, the type locality and other localities in the same clade, reinforcing the status of A. succinea as an invasive species. However, additional studies, including more extensive molecular and morphological analyses, are necessary to clarify the distribution of the Alitta succinea along the Brazilian coast.