Diving into Diversity: Copepod Crustaceans in Octocoral Associations
Description
This research provides an extensive analysis of the biodiversity and distribution patterns of copepod crustaceans associated with octocoral species. A comprehensive dataset comprising 966 records pertaining to 233 copepod species, encompassing 54 genera, 18 families, and 3 orders, was compiled from 92 scientific papers published between 1858 and 2023, and updated as open data to GBIF. These copepods were found to be closely associated with 183 octocoral species, representing 72 genera and 28 families. The analysis revealed a total of 393 distinct interspecific associations between copepods, classified under the orders Cyclopoida, Harpacticoida, and Siphonostomatoida, and diverse octocorals. Approximately 60% of these associations were reported only once in the literature, which poses challenges to assessing the level of host specificity among the majority of copepod species linked with octocorals. Notably, over 91% of the recorded copepod species were found at depths not exceeding 30 m, with only four copepod species reported at greater depths surpassing 500 m. The presence of these symbiotic copepods was documented across 215 sampling sites situated within 8 of the 12 defined marine ecoregions, with particular attention to the Western Indo-Pacific, Central Indo-Pacific, and Temperate Northern regions. Despite the comprehensive examination of available data, this study highlights substantial gaps in our comprehension of copepod crustacean diversity and distribution in association with octocorals. Moreover, crucial information concerning symbiotic copepods is conspicuously absent for approximately 94% of potential octocoral host species. These disparities emphasize the imperative need for further scientific inquiry to unveil the intricacies of symbiotic relationships and to contribute to a more holistic understanding of copepod–octocoral associations.
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To compile the requisite information, we conducted a comprehensive review of all 92 identified papers, which provide descriptions and/or document records of copepods associated with octocoral corals. Subsequently, we integrated these data into an original database utilizing Microsoft Access software. (Version 16.0) The database “Global diversity and distributions of symbiotic copepod crustaceans living on octocorallians” is structured around five primary tables: Host Taxonomy, Host Synonymy, Symbiont Taxonomy, Symbiont Synonymy, and Symbiont Descriptions. These tables are intricately linked through the Records table. Within the database, each entry encompasses comprehensive details regarding the taxonomy of both the host and its symbiont, and these details are cross-referenced with unique identifiers for each taxon as listed in the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS database). The dataset employed for the analysis features 62 columns filled with metadata and details relevant to taxonomy, habitat features, and associations with host species. For the purpose of elucidating the methodologies employed in the collection of these records. These collection techniques encompass a spectrum of approaches, including SCUBA diving, bottom trawling, utilization of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), dredg- ing operations, snorkeling, and manual hand sampling. Sampling locations, including geographical names and coordinates, sampling depths, and dates, have been incorporated into the dataset entries, conforming to Darwin Core standards. This meticulous approach ensures a comprehensive and standardized representation of crucial contextual information associated with each record, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding and improved interoperability.