The first comprehensive taxonomic and ecological checklist of free–living marine nematodes in Korea (2004–2023)

This study aims to compile a comprehensive ecological checklist of free–living marine nematodes in Korea. The ecological characteristics of free–living marine nematodes, including habitat, lifestyle, and distribution, are listed from a meta–analysis of 50 publications over the period 2004–2023. A total of 323 nematode species were recorded in Korea and published in both 41 taxonomy and 9 ecology studies. In taxonomy studies, Draconematidae was most frequently recorded, and in ecology studies, the large sedimentary Chromadoridae was most often recorded. In all publications, genera Daptonema and Enoplus were recorded most frequently, and the majority of species were documented near Busan and Jeju Island, South Korea. This study provides important basic data for predicting the distribution of free–living marine nematodes in coastal benthic ecosystems in Korea.