Peruvian nudibranchs (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia): an updated literature review-based list of species

Abstract

Nudibranchs, as a group, have received limited attention in terms of scientific study along the coastline of Peru. Here, an updated and comprehensive list of nudibranch species found in the Peruvian sea is presented, compiled through an extensive review of relevant literature. This compilation encompasses a total of 31 species, classified into two suborders, 10 superfamilies, 20 families, and 28 genera. With respect to the biogeographic provinces along the Peruvian coast, 23 species inhabit the Warm Temperate Southeastern Pacific province, 18 species occur in the Tropical Eastern Pacific province, and 10 species are found in both provinces, crossing the transitional zone between them. In terms of distribution patterns, two species exhibit a cosmopolitan distribution (Glaucus atlanticus and Fiona pinnata), while two species display a circumtropical distribution (Cephalopyge trematoides and Phylliroe bucephala). One species exhibits a bipolar distribution in the Eastern Pacific and possesses an amphi-South American distribution (Rostanga pulchra). Additionally, six species exhibit an amphi-South American distribution (Rostanga pulchra, Diaulula punctuolata, Doto uva, Tyrinna evelinae, Tyrinna delicata, and Doris fontainii), and two species are endemic to Peru (Corambe mancorensis and Felimare sechurana). This study provides comprehensive information on biogeographical aspects, geographical distributions, and taxonomic updates within the nudibranch species documented in Peru. Furthermore, we discuss the status of species listed in previous literature that have not been confirmed by collections, referring to them as potentially occurring species.