Integrative phylogenetic and morphological approach for species delimitation of Heliopora corals, with the description of H. chinensis sp. nov. (Octocorallia: Helioporidae)

Using whole-genome resequencing data from Heliopora samples collected in the South China Sea, combined with previously published genetic data from known Heliopora species, we reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships and assessed the genetic differentiation within the genus. Based on these analyses, we conducted taxonomic delimitation of species within the genus Heliopora (family Helioporidae, subclass Octocorallia).