Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 May 2009
Samples of branched and unbranched forms of the marine thecate hydroid Aglaophenia pluma (L.) (Hydrozoa, Plumulariidae) were collected from the western and eastern sides respectively of Carmarthen Bay (South Wales). Tissue from various colonies of each type was cleaned of epifauna and homogenized for horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Useful results were obtained for 14 enzyme loci coding for a total of 11 different enzymes. Eleven of the 14 loci showed no common allele between the branched and unbranched forms. Nei's genetic identity was estimated as 0·18 and genetic distance as 1·7. Such a high level of genetic differentiation between morphotypes provides strong evidence that the populations are reproductively isolated and should be regarded as distinct species. It is suggested that the branched form may be Aglaophenia parvula Bale, a species until recently better known from the southern hemisphere. Morphological distinctions between the two species are discussed.