Unlocking Mediterranean bryozoan diversity: seven new species unveiled after fixing a neotype for Fenestrulina malusii (Audouin & Savigny, 1826) (Cheilostomatida, Fenestrulinidae)

By

Rosso, Antonietta
Di Martino, Emanuela
Donato, Gemma
Figuerola, Blanca
Gerovasileiou, Vasilis
Siddiolo, Chiara
Sinagra, Alessandro
Sanfilippo, Rossana
Sciuto, Francesco

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-9-30

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1254

Pages

1--74

Subjects

Biodiversity , Bryozoa , genus diagnosis emendation , species complex , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1254.157989

 

Abstract

Fenestrulina malusii (Audouin & Savigny), the type species of Fenestrulina Jullien, is among the most widely reported bryozoans globally. Following the loss of the original type material, presumed Mediterranean in origin based on Savigny’s depiction on Sargassum, we designate a neotype from a colony on deep Laminaria blades off Ustica Island (Tyrrhenian Sea). Additionally, seven new species are described from various habitats across the Mediterranean: F. cavernicolasp. nov., from the semi-dark and dark zones of a submarine cave in Lesvos Island (NE Aegean Sea); F. communissp. nov., from beach-cast plastic near Palermo (NW Sicily); F. foveolatasp. nov., from Ile-Rousse Bank (Corsica); F. granulosasp. nov., from Posidonia meadows in Dhiaporia (Chios Island, Aegean Sea); F. kallistesp. nov., from outer-shelf coarse sediments off Calvi (NW Corsica); F. ovatasp. nov., from Trémies submarine cave, near Marseille (Gulf of Lion); and F. variorugosasp. nov., from Posidonia rootlets off Formica Isle (Egadi Archipelago, near the Sicily Strait). Five of these species are currently known only from their type localities, while F. communissp. nov. and F. variorugosasp. nov. occur elsewhere. An additional species with distinct features is described but left in open nomenclature owing to the absence of an ovicell. A comprehensive review of the published images of the 77 species currently assigned to Fenestrulina, with the identification of new diagnostic features, including kenozooids, has led to a revised diagnosis of the genus.