Critical evaluation of characters for species identification in the cubomedusa genus Malo (Cnidaria, Cubozoa, Carybdeida, Carukiidae)

Abstract

Medusae of an undetermined species of the carukiid genus Malo were sampled for life cycle research at Port Douglas Marina, Port Douglas, Australia, in 2011. Due to confusing character variations within the specimens, identification to species level initially seemed impossible. To resolve their identity, the type material of Malo maxima Gershwin, 2005 and M. kingi Gershwin, 2007 were examined. Comparisons were made of the two, and also with the unknown species. Unexpectedly, no significant differences were found between M. maxima and M. kingi. Moreover, all character variations in them were observed as well in the unknown species. Accordingly, M. maxima from Western Australia and M. kingi from Queensland are considered to represent populations of the same species. Characters considered both reliable and unreliable for species determination in the genus are discussed, and an emended diagnosis of Malo is proposed. The earlier name M. maxima is proposed for both populations and for the specimens from Port Douglas.