An overview of the occurrences of Exogone (Annelida, Syllidae) in Brazil, with the description of a new species

Abstract

Syllidae is one of the largest families of polychaete annelids, with more than 1,100 described species, comprehending relatively small-bodied, errant animals. Among these, specimens of Exogone can be relatively common in certain areas and substrates, figuring as an important component of the fauna in many locations. In Brazil, 13 species of this genus have been reported, but in some cases with records difficult to confirm/ reject. Herein we present an overview of the known diversity of the genus for the country, with additional four new occurrences for the Brazilian coast that were previously only registered in the 'grey literature', and an identification key to the species currently identified along the Brazilian coast; also, we bring the description of Exogone paulolanai sp. nov., raising to 18 the number of Exogone species for the country.