DNA barcoding enhances large-scale biodiversity initiatives for deep-pelagic crustaceans within the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent waters

Abstract The application of DNA barcoding represents a complementary and efficient approach to identifying specimens at all stages their life cycle when used in combination with traditional morphological methods. Due difficulties obtaining samples from the deep sea (> 200 m), these methods have been less frequently applied deep-water taxa. We DNA-barcoding techniques enhance large-scale biodiversity initiatives for deep-pelagic crustaceans within Gulf Mexico, region that has recently identified as one world’s four most hyperdiverse ocean ecosystems. This study was conceptualized direct response Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill 2010, which major knowledge gaps our understanding deep-sea biodiversity. employed Sanger sequencing genomic skimming target mitochondrial ribosomal large subunit 16S protein-coding cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI). Alongside molecular approaches, taxonomic investigations allowed advancements biodiversity, evolutionary relationships, cryptic species complexes, distributional records across abundant common orders (Amphipoda, Euphausiacea, Lophogastrida, Decapoda). barcodes were successfully obtained 82 total 158 169 new COI sequences, respectively. Evidence diversity found genera EucopiaDana, 1852 (Lophogastrida) Allosergestes Judkins & Kensley, 2008 (Decapoda). New Mexico LanceolaSay, 1818 (Amphipoda), Eupasiphae Wood-Mason Alcock, 1893, PasiphaeaSavigny, 1816, MeningodoraSmith, 1882 (Caridea) are presented. Preliminary results allow us reconsider current classification relationships several lineages. urgency document is pressing against backdrop future threats including oil spills drilling.