A new deep-sea species of Elliptiolucina Cosel & Bouchet, 2008 (Bivalvia, Lucinida, Lucinidae) from cold seep of the South China Sea

The increasing discoveries of new species the family Lucinidae in last two decades indicated a surprising diversity chemosynthetic lucinids deep sea, especially Indo-West Pacific. However, only few records have been reported from South China Sea. A lucinid Elliptiolucina subovalis sp. nov. is here deep-sea cold seep site distinct its congeners by possessing strong anterior lateral tooth on right valve and tapering, subrectangular-oval shells. Sequences three genes (18S rRNA, 28S CytB) were used to analyze relationships with other subfamily Myrteinae confirm taxonomic placement. result supports monophyly but also demonstrates polyphyly . has close relationship E. williamsae Rostrilucina garuda , not closely related congener ingens By comparing morphological characters, we suggest that should belong genus basal clades recognized may indicate origin this subfamily. Our results add known molecular information for poorly studied highlight necessity further investigation