Clarifying taxonomic assignments in Morgulis et al. (2022): Reply to Bacharo & Brugler (2025)

In a Comment to our study on the trophic ecology of mesophotic black corals in the northern Red Sea (Morgulis et al. 2022; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 688:33-47), Bacharo & Brugler (2025; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 768:127-129) raise concerns regarding the taxonomic identification of the studied species. We appreciate their careful review and acknowledge the importance of accurate species identification in ecological and biogeographic research. In our original paper, we noted the morphological resemblance of the branched specimens to Antipathes grandis , despite a 99% internal transcribed spacer (ITS) match to Antipathes griggi in the database at the time. A renewed BLAST analysis using updated databases now supports A. grandis as the more likely identity. For the unbranched specimens identified as Stichopathes spp., we address the suggestion of a mixed genus sample and provide evidence of consistent morphology and ITS sequences across all specimens. We also acknowledge an error in our original description regarding secondary spines in our Stichopathes spp. specimens. Given the taxonomic uncertainty within unbranched antipatharians and emerging molecular evidence that challenges traditional genus definitions, we maintain our identification of the studied specimens as Stichopathes spp., based on currently available data. We have also deposited ITS sequences for both morphotypes in GenBank to support future taxonomic efforts. While our biogeographic conclusion regarding A. griggi requires revision, the core ecological findings of the study remain robust.