An integrative taxonomic approach reveals <i>Octopus insularis</i> as the dominant species in the Veracruz Reef System (southwestern Gulf of Mexico)

Abstract

The common octopus of the Veracruz Reef System (VRS, southwestern Gulf of Mexico) has historically been considered as <i>Octopus vulgaris</i>, and yet, to date, no study including both morphological and genetic data has tested that assumption. To assess this matter, 52 octopuses were sampled in different reefs within the VRS to determine the taxonomic identity of this commercially valuable species using an integrative taxonomic approach through both morphological and genetic analyses. Morphological and genetic data confirmed that the common octopus of the VRS is not <i>O. vulgaris</i> and determined that it is, in fact, the recently described <i>O. insularis</i>. Morphological measurements, counts, indices, and other characteristics such as specific colour patterns, closely matched what had been reported for <i>O. insularis</i> in Brazil. In addition, sequences from cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (r16S) mitochondrial genes confirmed that the common octopus from the VRS is in the same highly supported clade as <i>O. insularis</i> from Brazil. Genetic distances of both mitochondrial genes as well as of cytochrome oxidase subunit III (COIII) and novel nuclear rhodopsin sequences for the species, also confirmed this finding (0-0.8%). We discuss our findings in the light of the recent reports of octopus species misidentifications involving the members of the '<i>O. vulgaris</i> species complex' and underscore the need for more morphological studies regarding this group to properly address the management of these commercially valuable and similar taxa.