Morphological variation in Nereis (Neanthes) virens (Polychaeta: Nereididae) populations

The intraspecific variation in the number and distribution of paragnaths in ten populations of Nereis (Neanthes) virens collected throughout its range was examined. Significant differences among populations are found in the total number of paragnaths and ill each paragnath group. The unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters separating Canadian populations, Europe/USA populations and the japanese population, suggesting the implication of either restricted gene flow, selection on paragnath patterns or phenotypic plasticity. Comparison with a previous genetic study suggests that morphological variants represent ecotypes of the single, widely distributed N. virens species.