Sepiolidae paralarvae are a taxonomically challenging and ecologically understudied cephalopod assemblage across the Northeastern Atlantic. Given the various knowledge gaps, the present study characterises the sepiolid paralarvae community found in the Parque Nacional das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia, specifically around the Islas Cíes & Ons, sampled during peak upwelling periods between 2017-2018. Five distinct taxa were identified through COI DNA barcoding, with 14 individuals forming part of a putative undescribed taxon, Heteroteuthidinae sp. No described sepiolidae species in GenBank returned a COI similarity exceeding 90%. Phylogenetically, all 14 individuals resolved in a cohesive monophyletic clade. Ecological analyses suggest Heteroteuthidinae sp. occupy shallow, cold, and topographically complex niches, constrained by depth and temperature as significant drivers. Divergent allometric slopes in Total Length Ratio and Eye Index provide further significant distinctiveness. Species distribution modelling identified hotspots surrounding the Islas Cíes & Ons along shallow reef structures. All co-occurring taxa showed differing ecological niches, structured mainly through depth and prey availability, further supporting the uniqueness of Heteroteuthidinae sp. The results presented expand the sepiolid knowledge and diversity along the Galician coast, supporting the implementation of integrative taxonomy at the paralarval stage, and strengthening the baseline for long-term biodiversity monitoring encompassing the National Park.
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