K. Fitzhugh et al., NEW SPECIES OF PSEUDOFABRICIOLA FITZHUGH, 1990 (POLYCHAETA, SABELLIDAE, FABRICIINAE), FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN-SEA, Zoological journal of the Linnean Society, 110(3), 1994, pp. 219-241
Two species of Pseudofabriciola Fitzhugh from the the Mediterranean Se
a, P. analis sp. nov. and P.longipyga sp.nov., are described. These sp
ecies most closely resemble P. australiensis (Hartmann-Schroder) and P
. incisura Fitzhugh in that all have a membranous, anterior peristomia
l ring collar which is distally Bared. Cladistic relationships among t
he eight species in the genus are examined. Previous accounts of P.ana
lis sp.nov. and P.longipyga sp.nov. in the Mediterranean have referred
these species to Fabricia filamentosa Day (now P. filamentosa), the t
ype locality of which is South Africa. The presumed occurrence of F. f
ilamentosa in the Mediterranean has been explained as the result of Le
ssepsian migrations from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal. Such a conclu
sion is shown to be unfounded, resulting from identifications based on
ly on published descriptions without the examination of type material,
as well as not considering all assumptions associated with a dispersa
l hypothesis. The overall depth distribution of Pseudofabriciola is fa
r greater than is seen in all other fabriciin genera, having been reco
rded from depths ranging from the intertidal to 172 m. In addition, Ps
eudofabriciola species appear to be more common in soft sediments rath
er than on hard, often algal-covered substrates in which most fabricii
ns are found.