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Thank you for the revision; you have addressed all of the reviewers' comments. Our reviewer team has no objection to your revision and hence your article can be accepted by following the format of the journal. Congratulations.
[# PeerJ Staff Note - this decision was reviewed and approved by Michael Wink, a PeerJ Section Editor covering this Section #]
Thank you for submitting your manuscript. After careful review by 3 reviewers, we have found that your work has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of bivalve taxonomy and systematics. You have clarified the taxonomic identification of three new species of bivalves in the manuscript, and provided a clear justification for its classification. However, we have identified several issues that require minor revision before we can move forward with the publication of your manuscript.
Specifically, we request that you make the following minor revisions:
Reviewer#1 has given you some suggestions to address in your revision. We believe that addressing these concerns will improve the quality and impact of your manuscript.
[# PeerJ Staff Note: Reviewer 1 declared a potential Conflict of Interest, and the Editor was aware of this when making their decision #]
This manuscript describes three new species of marine bivalves in the deep waters of the North Pacific Ocean. It is well-written with superb illustrations. A number of corrections/suggestions are made in the pdf of the text. Comparison table between species is well-done and important.
This manuscript covers the description of three new species and a deep-sea region that has barely been studied in the past. The publication will be a major boost to our knowledge of deep-sea Pacific bivalves. References and methodology are all thorough and well presented.
This reviewer agrees with the description of the three new species in the manuscript. Their description is well defined and well illustrated.
See additional comments on the attached pdf.
All the figures and tables are properly arranged,
All the data can be opened and is well described in English.
Language is clear and professional.
Suggestions
1. The global distribution map of the genus Axinulus including all the species information, also gets more visibility.
2. Axinulus cristatus Morphological photographs were also missing. If possible, include that pictures also.
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