Resolving Acuticulata (Metridioidea: Enthemonae: Actiniaria), a clade containing many invasive species of sea anemones

Acuticulata is a globally distributed group in the actiniarian superfamily Metridiodea comprised of taxa with ecological, economic, and scientific significance. Prominent members such as Exaiptasia diaphana and Diadumene lineata serve as model organisms for studying coral symbiosis, bleaching phenomena, and ecological invasions. Despite their importance, unresolved phylogenetic relationships and outdated taxonomic frameworks hinder a full understanding of the diversity and evolution of the taxa in this clade. In this study, we employ a targeted sequence-capture approach to construct a robust phylogeny for Acuticulata, addressing long-standing questions about familial monophyly and comparing the results to results from a more conventional, five-gene dataset. Specimens from previously underrepresented families and global regions, including the Falkland Islands, were included to elucidate evolutionary interrelationships and improve resolution. Our results support the monophyly of Aliciidae..., Actiniarian specimens were collected either by hand, while SCUBA diving, or via trawls. Specimens were identified using external polyp anatomy and preserved in 95% ethanol to ensure the integrity of molecular data. Twelve specimens from the Falkland Islands were collected by hand while SCUBA diving (maximum depth of 20m) during the 2019 research cruise for the “Fine Scaling of the Marine Management Area of the Falkland Islands” project. Collection data for each specimen is contained in Appendix 1.
DNA extraction was performed using the E.Z.N.A. Tissue DNA Kit (Omega Bio-Tek, Norcross, GA, USA) according to the manufacturer’s protocol, except with a reduced elution volume to increase concentration. The quality and quantity of extracted DNA were evaluated using a Qubit 2.0 fluorometer and a NanoDrop spectrophotometer, measuring DNA concentration (ng/μL). Specimens with remaining tissue have been deposited at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Taxa sampled represent 75% of the ..., , # Resolving Acuticulata (Metridioidea: Enthemonae: Actiniaria), a clade containing many invasive species of sea anemones

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.vmcvdnd32](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.vmcvdnd32)

## Description of the data and file structure

Actiniarian specimens were collected either by hand, while SCUBA diving, or via trawls. Specimens were identified using external polyp anatomy and preserved in 95% ethanol to ensure the integrity of molecular data. Twelve specimens from the Falkland Islands were collected by hand while SCUBA diving (maximum depth of 20m) during the 2019 research cruise for the “Fine Scaling of the Marine Management Area of the Falkland Islands” project. Collection data for each specimen is contained in Appendix 1.

DNA extraction was performed using the E.Z.N.A. Tissue DNA Kit (Omega Bio-Tek, Norcross, GA, USA) according to the manufacturer’s protocol, except with a reduced elution volume to increase concentration. The quality and quantity of extracted DN...,