Diversity of and biogeographic insights into the Atlantic Eocuma (Cumacea: Peracarida)

Abstract

The Gulf of Guinea is characterised by a complex hydrology and supports a high species diversity. A recent study has indicated that the area can be considered a refuge for rare taxa. Intensive sampling off the coast of Ghana (Gulf of Guinea) in 2012 on board the R/V F. Nansen resulted in the discovery of a large number of benthic invertebrates, including peracarid crustaceans. A preliminary investigation demonstrated a high diversity of the Cumacea, with 95% of the species being new to science. The most species-rich genus was Eocuma with seven species; six of them proved new to science and are described here. Additionally, the global distribution of Eocuma was analysed with the help of a phylogenetic tree based on morphological characters, Bayesian Binary Markov chain Monte Carlo biogeographic analysis and literature data. The radiation centres of the west African fauna are discussed.