Mitogenomic phylogeny of Muricidae (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda)

Muricidae is one of the most species-rich and morphologically diverse families in Gastropoda, with a worldwide distribution. The classification of Muricidae has traditionally been based on shell and radular characteristics; however, the phylogenetic relationships within the family are debated due to morphological convergence and plasticity. In this study, to explore the phylogenetic relationships of Muricidae, we sequenced 11 muricid mitochondrial (mt) genomes and compared them with 13 previously reported complete muricid mt genomes. All muricid mt genomes shared the same gene arrangement and exhibited conserved genome size and nucleotide composition. Three-nucleotide deletions in atp8 and nad4, and three-nucleotide insertions in nad2 were detected in Rapaninae. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses supported the monophyly of each subfamily studied (Ocenebrinae, Muricinae, Rapaninae and Ergalataxinae). Ergalataxinae was recovered as the sister taxon of Rapaninae, refuting the traditional morphology-based placement of Ergalataxinae within Rapaninae. In Rapaninae, Indothais was confirmed to be monophyletic and determined to be a valid genus. Similarly, Drupina was determined to be an independent genus rather than a subgenus of Drupa. Purpura was recovered as a paraphyletic group, with Purpura panama being sister to Reishia + Rapana + Indothais and clustering with Purpura bufo.

Automated summary

In this study, the sequencing of 11 muricid mitochondrial genomes revealed the conservation of gene arrangement, genome size, and nucleotide composition within the family. Phylogenetic analysis supported the monophyly of each subfamily and redefined the relationships between subfamilies and genera. These findings provide new insights into the classification and evolutionary history of Muricidae.