Fireworms (Amphinomidae: Annelida) from Ascension and Saint Helena Island, Central South Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

Ascension and Saint Helena Islands are isolated volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Records of annelids from the family Amphinomidae, commonly known as fireworms, are rare. Fireworm species recorded in both localities includeEurythoe complanataandHermodice carunculata,which are broadly distributed throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Here we present the characterization of both species from a recent expedition to Ascension and Saint Helena. Morphologically, specimens fromH. carunculatacorrespond to the West Atlantic population, whileE. complanataspecimens were clearly identified based on chaetal type. A genetic analysis, including material from Ascension and Saint Helena Islands, will be necessary to elucidate the genetic connectivity across the Atlantic Ocean.