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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.05.14.725093

Molecular and Morphological Evidence Reveals Cryptonema producta in Shui Hau, Hong Kong, Previously Misidentified as Anomalocardia flexuosa

Lam, H.·Lin, S.·Xu, Z.·Yau, C. S. T.·Wu, L.
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Abstract

For over four decades, the bivalve Anomalocardia flexuosa has been recorded in Hong Kong coastal waters. However, the known native distribution of this heavily exploited commercial species is restricted to the Atlantic coast of South America, raising questions about the biogeographical validity of the Hong Kong populations. By employing an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological re-evaluations and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the COI gene, we confirm that the species in Shui Hau, Hong Kong, China, has been historically misidentified. The population belongs to Cryptonema producta (syn. Anomalocardia producta).

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Lam, H., Lin, S., Xu, Z., Yau, C. S. T., Wu, L.. 2026-05-18. Molecular and Morphological Evidence Reveals Cryptonema producta in Shui Hau, Hong Kong, Previously Misidentified as Anomalocardia flexuosa. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.14.725093

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