Potential transoceanic dispersal of Geodia cf. papyracea and six new tetractinellid sponge species descriptions within the Hawaiian reef cryptofauna
Kāne‘ohe Bay has historically been known for the introduction of alien species from the Caribbean and the Western Indo-Pacific. Recent efforts that explore the reef cryptofauna have shown that in addition to the diversity of non-indigenous species, patch reef environments are rich with undescribed species. Here we integrate molecular phylogeny and systematics to distinguish introduced species from those that are potentially native or endemic.
In the Press
New sponge species discovered in Kaneohe Bay
Ten new sponge species discovered off Hawaii
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10 new sponge species discovered in Hawaii's Kāne'ohe Bay
HIMB researchers discover 10 new sponge species in Kāneʻohe Bay
“These structures mimic the reefʻs cryptic environment, allowing us to observe and document the species without causing harm to the surrounding reef. After sponge collection, we used DNA to narrow down what species we were looking at. Then we dug into the literature to see if these sponges existed anywhere else in the world. I created a database and compared characteristics to find the closest relatives. Through this integrative taxonomic approach, we found that these species found in Kāneʻohe Bay were new to science and have not been documented anywhere else in the world.”
– Rachel Nunley
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What is this research about?
Hawaiian coral reefs are home to a fascinating variety of marine life, including many cryptic species—organisms that are difficult to detect and often go unnoticed. This study explores the biodiversity of cryptic tetractinellid sponges in Kāne‘ohe Bay, a region historically impacted by introduced species from distant oceans. Using molecular and traditional taxonomy, the study identifies six new species and investigates the potential long-distance dispersal of Geodia cf. papyracea from the Caribbean to Hawai‘i.
Why is this important?
- New species discoveries – The study describes six new sponge species from the genera Stelletta and Stryphnus, expanding our knowledge of reef biodiversity.
- Potential transoceanic dispersal – Findings suggest that Geodia cf. papyracea may have traveled thousands of kilometres across the Pacific, raising questions about how marine species spread.
- Conservation and management – Understanding native vs. introduced species is crucial for reef conservation efforts, as non-native species can impact local ecosystems.
How was the study conducted?
Researchers used Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) to collect sponges from cryptic reef environments. They then combined:
- Molecular barcoding (using 28S and COI genetic markers) to classify species based on DNA.
- Morphological analysis to compare physical features and confirm species identities.
Key Findings
- The study identified six newly described species:
- Stelletta kela, Stelletta hokunalohia, Stelletta kuhapa, Stelletta hokuwanawana, Stelletta apapaola, and Stryphnus huna.
- Geodia cf. papyracea, previously known from the Caribbean, was recorded in Hawai‘i, suggesting transoceanic dispersal.
- Molecular barcoding provides a valuable reference for future research, including environmental DNA (eDNA) studies to track species presence.
Why does this matter for reef ecosystems?
Sponges play key roles in marine ecosystems, including filtering water, recycling nutrients, and providing habitat for other species. By documenting new species and potential introductions, this research helps:
- Improve species monitoring and conservation efforts.
- Guide reef management strategies to detect and respond to introduced species.
- Expand knowledge of cryptic reef biodiversity in the Pacific.
What’s next?
Future taxonomic studies can help:
- Determine the full geographic range of these sponges.
- Investigate how and why species disperse across oceans.
- Support reef conservation by improving species identification tools.
Bottom Line
By combining genetics and traditional taxonomy, this study reveals hidden biodiversity in Hawaiian reefs, identifies new species, and raises important questions about marine species dispersal and conservation.
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