There are many taxonomic problems in polychaete species names and solving confusing or inadequate taxonomic procedures is both time-demanding and extremely important. Our objective in this contribution was to analyse what is the current taxonomic situation for Nereis falsa de Quatrefages, 1866; it was based upon Nereis pulsatoria? Rathke, 1837 from the Black Sea, and it is currently regarded as having a very wide distribution. The species has been collected from different benthic substrates and even can be found on floating objects or marine turtles. Nereis falsa has been recorded from the Mediterranean Sea, the Eastern Atlantic along Africa, the Western Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Brazil), and the Indian Ocean. However, despite the fact N. falsa was proposed as a species from the Black Sea, it has not yet been found there. How can we explain that a species is able to attain a very wide distribution and yet be missing from its type locality? After a careful study of previous publications and with our understanding of the systematics of nereidid polychaetes, we clarify the current situation by examining several related species and pointed out some nomenclatural issues. Our analysis indicates there is more than one species included under the same name, and in this contribution we propose some means to promote discussion and actions, and suggest some basic research for solving this issue. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (3): 847-857. Epub 2017 September 01.

Nereididae comprises a diverse group of marine worms and is one of the most studied families in Annelida. However, phylogenetic relationships within the group are still poorly understood. Previous studies, based on morphological data, have disagreed on the membership of recognized subfamilies and, current taxonomy lacks sufficient phylogenetic underpinning. This study uses complete mitochondrial genome and transcriptome data to evaluate relationships within Nereididae and test currently employed subfamilies. Ancestral state reconstructions were performed to evaluate if morphological traits found in the pharynx, that is papillae and paragnaths, correspond with phylogenetic relationships based on mitochondrial data. Our results suggest that Nereidinae and Gymnonereidinae, as currently recognized, are not monophyletic groups. In general, molecular results suggest that morphological features used in nereidid taxonomy need re-evaluation as they may be more evolutionary plastic than recognized. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that papillae and paragnaths may have evolved early in the family and their presence, as currently employed in taxonomy, does not allow accurate diagnose of groups within Nereididae. In contrast, unique mitochondrial gene order defines at least one higherlevel clade within Nereididae. K E Y W O R D Sgene order, Gymnonereidinae, mtDNA, Namanereidinae, Nereidinae, ragworm | 367 ALVES Et AL.

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A checklist of polychaete species recorded from Paraná State (Southern Brazil, 25°10’– 25°58’ S / 47°59’– 48°35’ W), including estuarine areas from Paranaguá and Guaratuba Bays and shallow continental shelf bottoms, is reported. Altogether 44 families, 164 genera, and 259 valid species are currently known from the area. The list, which provides a synthesis of the regional taxonomical work carried out until now, can serve as a baseline survey for future studies.