Abstract
Phylogenetic relationships among vesicomyid clams (Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae) and their placement within the order Heterodonta were examined using mitochondrial encoded cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA sequences. The presently analyzed vesicomyids represent a recent monophyletic radiation that probably occurred within the Cenozoic. Nucleotide phylogenetic analyses resolved discrete clades that were consistent with currently recognized species: Calyptogena magnifica, C. ponderosa, Ectenagena extenta, C. phaseoliformis, Vesicomya cordata, Calyptogena n. sp. (Gulf of Mexico), C. kaikoi, C. nautilei, C. solidissima and C. soyoae (Type-A). However, specimens variously identified as: V. gigas, C. kilmeri, C. pacifica, and V. lepta comprised two “species complexes”, each composed of multiple evolutionary lineages. Most taxa are limited to hydrothermal-vent or cold-seep habitats, but the “vent” versus “seep” clams do not constitute separate monophyletic groups. Current applications of the generic names Calyptogena, Ectenagena, and Vesicomya are not consistent with phylogenetic inferences.
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Received: 24 July 1997 / Accepted: 22 August 1997
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Peek, A., Gustafson, R., Lutz, R. et al. Evolutionary relationships of deep-sea hydrothermal vent and cold-water seep clams (Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae): results from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Marine Biology 130, 151–161 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002270050234
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002270050234