What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to document the first record of Ophionephthys limicola from mainland Colombia and to extend its known geographic range.

May 6, 2026Open Access

First record and geographic range extension of the brittle star Ophionephthys limicola Ltken, 1869 (Amphilepidida, Amphiuridae) from the Caribbean coast of continental Colombia

JGJayfreth Sierra GómezUniversity of Córdoba CNCarlos Nisperuza-PérezUniversity of Córdoba JQJorge A. Quirós-RodríguezUniversidad de Los Andes

Key Points

This research aims to document the first record of Ophionephthys limicola from mainland Colombia and to extend its known geographic range.
Collected 10 specimens of Ophionephthys limicola between 2023 and 2024.
Documented external diagnostic characteristics and microstructures.
Conducted ontogenetic characterization focusing on external morphological traits.
Recorded Ophionephthys limicola for the first time from the mainland Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Extended geographic range south to the Gulf of Morrosquillo.
Demonstrated significant morphological variation in external traits.

Abstract

Ophionephthys limicola Ltken, 1869 (Amphiuridae) is recorded for the first time from the mainland Caribbean coast of Colombia. Although its presence was already known from the island of San Andrs, Colombia, we extend this species geographic range south to the Gulf of Morrosquillo. Based on 10 specimens collected between 2023 and 2024, its external diagnostic characteristics and, for the first time, its microstructures are documented. Finally, we provide an ontogenetic characterisation, focusing on external morphological traits that show significant variation.

AI से पूछें

Bookmark

View Full Paper