Systematic and evolutionary insights derived from mtDNA COI barcode diversity in the Decapoda (Crustacea : Malacostraca)

Decapods are the most recognizable of all crustaceans and comprise a dominant group of benthic invertebrates of the continental shelf and slope, including many species of economic importance. Of the 17635 morphologically described Decapoda species, only 5.4% are represented by COI barcode region sequences. It therefore remains a challenge to compile regional databases that identify and analyse the extent and patterns of decapod diversity throughout the world.The Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (Portugal) provided a doctoral fellowship (SFRH/BD/25568/2006) to Joana Matzen da Silva. This research was partially supported by the HERMES project, EC contract GOCE-CT-2005-511234, funded by the European Commission's Sixth Framework Programme under the priority Sustainable Development, Global Change and Ecosystems and LusoMarBol FCT research grant PTDC/MAR/69892/2006. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript