Deep-sea amphipods around cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts: Taxonomic diversity and selection of candidate species for connectivity analysis

PLoS One. 2020 Feb 6;15(2):e0228483. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228483. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to select a candidate deep-sea amphipod species suitable for connectivity analyses in areas around cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts (CRCs). We applied DNA barcoding based on the mitochondrial protein-coding gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), to specimens collected from the Xufu Guyot (the JA06 Seamount) off southeastern Minami-Torishima Island in the North Pacific, where CRCs are distributed. We used baited traps to collect 37 specimens. Comparison of COI sequences with public reference databases (GenBank, BOLD) showed that almost all of the specimens belonged to the superfamily Lysianassoidea, which is known to be ubiquitous in deep-sea areas. In a molecular taxonomic analysis of these sequences, we detected 11 clades. One of these clades (group 9) composed of 18 sequences and was identified by DNA barcoding as a putative species belonging to Abyssorchomene, which has been reported from the New Hebrides Trench in the South Pacific. We considered this species to be a candidate for connectivity analysis and analyzed its genome by restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. The results showed that the genetic variation in this species is adequate for analyzing connectivity patterns in CRC areas in the future.

MeSH terms

  • Amphipoda / classification*
  • Amphipoda / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Cobalt / chemistry*
  • DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic / methods*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Iron / chemistry*
  • Japan
  • Manganese / chemistry*
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Phylogeny
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / veterinary
  • Species Specificity
  • Vanuatu

Substances

  • ferro-manganese alloy
  • Cobalt
  • Manganese
  • Iron

Grants and funding

Kaiyo Engineering provided support in the form of salaries for authors MN and RM, and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) provided support in the form of salaries for authors SK, TM, YI, and NO, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the ʻauthor contributionsʼ section.