Revealing hidden diversity: new Latrunculia and Iophon species (Porifera, Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida) from the continental shelf of the Namaqua ecoregion (Benguela ecosystem), along with a range extension of Latrunculia (Aciculatrunculia) biformis

Abstract Four new species of Poecilosclerida (Porifera, Demospongiae) assigned to the genera Latrunculia and Iophon are described from South Africa and Namibia, located in the Namaqua ecoregion. The Porifera occurring along the continental shelf within this ecoregion are relatively well-known, with 76 species formally described in previous literature. Of these, 35 species belong to the Order Poecilosclerida. Additionally, Latrunculia (Aciculatrunculia) biformis is reported from the continental shelf on the west coast of South Africa, extending its range further northwards into the South Atlantic. DNA barcoding and molecular phylogenetic analyses were employed to ensure accurate taxonomic assignment and designation of new species.