Do Morphological Similarities and human-induced dispersal explain the non-native occurrence of Serpulidae (Annelida) in Southwest Atlantic? Taxonomic detailing is the key

Abstract

Abstract Species of Serpulidae are common on benthic and biofouling communities, occurring attached on both natural and artificial substrates. In this paper, Serpulids were collected from intertidal to subtidal areas, on rocky shore and suspended artificial plates in port areas. Herein we report three new records of serpulid species to the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We also discuss the misidentification of Spirobranchus tetraceros, which was previously reported to the north of Rio de Janeiro.

Keywords

• Spirobranchus
• Hydroides
• Protula
• Introduced species
• Tropical West Atlantic