Bycatch of Asteroidea from shrimp trawl fishery in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean ­ Brazil

Shrimp trawling is considered a significant negative impact on the marine ecosystem, especially on the benthic community. Sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) are one of the most affected groups by unintentional catches. This study was performed at the Santana Archipelago, a Marine Protected Area in the northern region of Rio de Janeiro State, between 2008-2009. Sea stars accidentally caught by trawling were collected during open and closed season of the shrimp fisheries (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) at depths of 5-60 m. A generalized linear zero-inflated model was applied to test for differences in capture between fishing seasons and depths. A total of 158 sea star specimens were captured. These specimens were identified as Asterina stellifera, Astropecten acutiradiatus, Astropecten brasiliensis, Astropecten cingulatus, Luidia alternata alternata, Luidia clathrata, Luidia ludwigi scotti, Luidia senegalensis. The sea stars A. brasiliensis and L. senegalensis are currently considered as vulnerable species in the Brazilian official list of threatened species. The higher capture of sea stars was shown in deepest areas, and there was no significant difference in the number of specimens between seasons. This is the first study about asteroids accidentally captured by shrimp trawling.(AU)

Checklist of invertebrates and conspicuous fishes in rocky reefs and Sargassum beds in the North Pacific of Costa Rica

Introduction: The marine biodiversity is well known in some areas and for some marine ecosystems of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The marine sector of Área de Conservación Guanacaste, in the North Pacific of the country, is a priority area for conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity. Objective: Our aim was to increase the knowledge of marine biodiversity in a conservation priority site in Costa Rica and in poorly or scarcely studied marine ecosystems, such as rocky reefs and Sargassum beds, respectively. Methods: The study was conducted in Bahía Salinas and Golfo de Santa Elena in 2013. In January, four rocky reefs were visited; while in February three rocky reefs and one Sargassum bed were visited. We identified the macroinvertebrates and conspicuous fish species through underwater visual census methods (timed swim and band transects). The mean density of each species was estimated through band transects method. Results: A total of 25 invertebrates and 34 fish species were identified. We found a high number of species of invertebrates (23) and fish species (33) in rocky reefs, but few species on Sargassum beds (eight invertebrates and ten fish species). Species composition differed between marine ecosystems. Conclusions: Our study further evidence the limited knowledge of invertebrates and fish communities in these marine ecosystems in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. Considerably more surveys and field work are required to support management decisions that are backed by sound scientific knowledge.

Introducción: La biodiversidad marina es bien conocida en algunas áreas y para algunos ecosistemas marinos de la costa Pacífica de Costa Rica. El sector marino del Área de Conservación Guanacaste, en el Pacífico norte del país, es un área prioritaria para la conservación de la biodiversidad marina y costera. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue el de incrementar el conocimiento de la biodiversidad marina en un sitio prioritario de conservación de Costa Rica y en ecosistemas marinos poco o nulamente estudiados, como son los arrecifes rocosos y mantos de Sargassum, respectivamente. Métodos: El estudio se realizó en Bahía Salinas y Golfo de Santa Elena en el 2013. En enero, cuatro arrecifes rocosos fueron visitados; mientras que en febrero tres arrecifes rocosos y un manto de Sargassum fueron visitados. Identificamos las especies de invertebrados y peces conspicuos a través métodos de censos visuales submarinos (buceos cronometrados y transectos de banda). La densidad promedio de cada especie se estimó mediante el método de transectos de banda. Resultados: Se registró un total de 25 invertebrados y 34 especies de peces. Encontramos un mayor número de especies de invertebrados (23) y peces (33) en los arrecifes rocosos, pero pocas especies en el manto de Sargassum (ocho especies de invertebrados y diez de peces). La composición de especies difirió entre ecosistemas marinos. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio evidencia el limitado conocimiento de las comunidades de invertebrados y peces en estos ecosistemas marinos en el Pacífico Norte de Costa Rica. Considerablemente más encuestas y trabajo de campo son requeridos para apoyar decisiones de manejo que sean respaldados por conocimientos científicos solidos.

Pharmacological and chemical properties of some marine echinoderms

Abstract Echinoderms have attracted the attention of scientists over the past few years after identifying a variety of unique structures endowed by interesting biological properties. However, the Moroccan coast biodiversity is still uninvestigated. In our ongoing attempts to valorize the rich Moroccan marine environment, this study aimed at assessing the antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from three echinoderms Astropecten irregularis, Luidia sarsi and Ophiura albida against the human pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica and Bacillus subtilis. Moreover, their antioxidant activities were tested using standard methods in addition to the antidiabetic activity which has been evaluated in vitro against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. HPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS analysis revealed a significant content of some phenolic compounds such as pyrogallol, gallic, sinapic, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic and salicylic acids whose existence can be related to the endophytic fungi and/or dietary intake whereas GC-MS analysis exhibited diverse chemical structures such as cholesterol, oleic acid and glycerol 1-palmitate.

Densidad poblacional y estructura de talla del pepino de mar Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) en aguas someras del sur del golfo de Morrosquillo, Caribe Colombiano / Density population and size structure of the sea cucumber Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) in shallow waters south of the gulf of Morrosquillo, Colombian Caribbean

Resumen Holothuria grisea, a pesar de no ser considerado un recurso comercial, ha sido objeto de extracciones ilegales en Colombia, hecho que se vuelve más grave debido al vació de información biológica de estos organismos. Por esta razón, se estimó la densidad poblacional y estructura de talla de H. grisea en tres sectores del sur del golfo de Morrosquillo de abril a noviembre 2015. Para ello, se ubicaron mensualmente tres transectos circulares en cada sector de muestreo abarcando un área de 300 m2, donde se contabilizaron y midieron in situ los individuos encontrados. La densidad media de H. grisea en el área estudiada fue 0.4 ind m-2, presentándose los mayores valores en el sector La Ahumadera (1.09 ± 0.11 ind m-2) y los menores valores en el Banco de Arena (0.02 ± 0.004 ind m-2). El análisis de varianza señalo una diferencia significativa en los valores de densidad y talla de H. grisea en los sectores estudiados. La especie presentó una distribución de tallas unimodal, registrándose una talla promedio de 13.5 ± 0.91 cm con una talla mínima de 2.5 y una máxima de 30 cm, en general las tallas intermedias presentaron una mayor representatividad a lo largo de este estudio (77.2 %). Los aspectos biológicos presentados en este documento son de gran importancia para la conservación de esta especie y corresponde a un avance en el conocimiento de la clase Holothuroidea en el Caribe Colombiano.

Abstract Holothuria grisea, despite not being considered a commercial resource has been the subject of illegal extractions in Colombia, a fact that becomes more serious due to the empty of biological information of these organisms. For this reason the density population and size structure of H. grisea were evaluated in three sectors south of the gulf of Morrosquillo from April to November 2015. To this end, three circular transects were located each month in each sampling site covering an area of 300 m2, where individuals were counted and measured in situ. The average density of H. grisea in the study area was 0.4 ind m-2, with the highest values in the La Ahumadera (1.09 ± 0.11 ind m-2) and the lowest values in Banco de Arena (0.02 ± 0.004 ind m-2). The analysis of variance showed a significance in the values of density and size of H. grisea in the studied sectors. The species presented a unimodal distribution of sizes with an average size of 13.5 ± 0.9 cm with a minimum size of 2.5 and a maximum of 30 cm, intermediate sizes generally showed a higher representativeness throughout this study (77.2 %). The biological aspects presented in this paper are of great importance for the conservation of this species and corresponds to an advance in the knowledge of the Holothuroidea class in the Colombian Caribbean. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 776-787. Epub 2018 June 01.

HSP70 from the Antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri: molecular characterization and expression in response to heat stress

Abstract Background: Heat stress proteins are implicated in stabilizing and refolding denatured proteins in vertebrates and invertebrates. Members of the Hsp70 gene family comprise the cognate heat shock protein (Hsc70) and inducible heat shock protein (Hsp70). However, the cDNA sequence and the expression of Hsp70 in the Antarctic sea urchin are unknown. Methods: We amplified and cloned a transcript sequence of 1991 bp from the Antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri, experimentally exposed to heat stress (5 and 10 °C for 1, 24 and 48 h). RACE-PCR and qPCR were employed to determine Hsp70 gene expression, while western blot and ELISA methods were used to determine protein expression. Results: The sequence obtained from S. neumayeri showed high identity with Hsp70 members. Several Hsp70 family features were identified in the deduced amino acid sequence and they indicate that the isolated Hsp70 is related to the cognate heat shock protein type. The corresponding 70 kDa protein, called Sn-Hsp70, was immune detected in the coelomocytes and the digestive tract of S. neumayeri using a monospecific polyclonal antibody. We showed that S. neumayeri do not respond to acute heat stress by up-regulation of Sn-Hsp70 at transcript and protein level. Furthermore, the Sn-Hsp70 protein expression was not induced in the digestive tract. Conclusions: Our results provide the first molecular evidence that Sn-Hsp70 is expressed constitutively and is noninduced by heat stress in S. neumayeri.

Echinodermata associated to rhodoliths from Seixas Beach, State of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil / Echinodermata associados a rodolitos da Praia do Seixas, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract This study presents the species of echinoderms found inside rhodolith branches from Seixas Beach, State of Paraíba, Brazil, during one year of rhodolith sampling. A total of 64 specimens were analyzed and identified into 12 species, belonging to 11 genera, eight families and three classes. Brief taxonomic descriptions, figures and ecological notes for recorded species are provided. Ophiuroidea and Holothuroidea were the most representative taxa. Biogenic structures are an important habitat for young specimens and some small species of Echinodermata. Some species complete their life cycle in these structures, while others spend part of their life in these substrates and may also migrate to other habitats. The work complements the knowledge of echinoderm biodiversity from Northeastern of Brazil and aims to support future projects of protection and sustainable management of this area.

Resumo O presente estudo apresenta as espécies de equinodermos encontradas dentro de ramos de rodolitos provenientes da Praia do Seixas, Estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Um total de 64 espécimes foi analisado, sendo identificadas 12 espécies, pertencentes a 11 gêneros, oito famílias, e três classes. As amostras foram coletadas ao longo de um ano a partir de rodolitos. O artigo fornece uma breve descrição taxonômica, figuras e notas ecológicas para cada espécie. Ophiuroidea e Holothuroidea foram os grupos mais representativos. Os resultados mostram que essas estruturas biogênicas formam um habitat importante para espécies jovens e espécies pequenas de Echinodermata. Algumas espécies completam seu ciclo de vida dentro dos rodolitos, enquanto outras passam uma parte da vida nesses substratos para depois explorar em outros ambientes. O estudo complementa o conhecimento da biodiversidade de equinodermos para o nordeste do Brasil e fornece suporte para futuros projetos de proteção e uso sustentável da área.

Actividad antibacteriana y antifúngica de la estrella de mar Oreaster reticulatus (Valvatida: Oreasteridae) y de los erizos de mar Mellita quinquiesperforata (Clypeasteroida: Mellitidae) y Diadema antillarum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) del Caribe Colombiano / Antibacterial and antifungal activity of the starfish Oreaster reticulatus (Valvatida: Oreasteridae) and the sea urchins Mellita quinquiesperforata (Clypeasteroida: Mellitidae) and Diadema antillarum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) from the Colombian Caribbean

Resumen Como organismos bentónicos, estrellas de mar y erizos de mar están constantemente expuestos a un gran número de bacterias, hongos y virus, algunos de ellos potencialmente dañinos. Para sobrevivir, estos equinodermos dependen de su sistema inmunológico, que ha desarrollado una serie de compuestos que actúan como estrategias de defensa antimicrobianos. En este trabajo se evaluaron las actividades antibacteriana y antifúngica de los extractos metanólicos de la estrella de mar Oreaster reticulatus y de los erizos de mar Mellita quinquiesperforata y Diadema antillarum recolectados en el Caribe Cordobés, frente a las bacterias Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus y Klebsiella pneumoniae, y frente a los hongos fitopatógenos Fusarium sp., Scleortium sp., y Rhizoctonia sp. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que O. reticulatus y D. antillarum, son organismos capaces de producir compuestos con capacidad antibiótica generando inhibición bacteriana a bajas concentraciones (< 100 µg / ml), mientras que M. quinquiesperforata no presentó inhibición a ninguna de la concentraciones evaluadas. Específicamente, la cepa de S. aureus fue la que presentó mayor susceptibilidad frente a los extractos evaluados, es decir, los metabolitos producidos por los equinodermos inhiben con mayor facilidad las bacterias Gram +. Por su parte, solo el extracto de diclorometano de D. antillarum presentó inhibición frente a Fusarium sp., con porcentajes de inhibición de 78.2 % y 56.5 % a concentraciones de 2 000 y 100 µg / ml. Se encontró que las cepas de los hongos Sclerotium sp. y Rhizoctonia sp., presentaron resistencia frente a todos los.extractos de los organismos estudiados, con excepción del extracto de diclorometano de D. antillarum.

Abstract As benthic organisms, sea stars and sea urchins are constantly exposed to a large number of bacteria, fungi and viruses, some of them potentially harmful. To survive, these echinoderms depend on their immune system, which has developed a number of compounds which act as antimicrobial defense strategies. In this work, the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the extracts of the starfish Oreaster reticulatus and sea urchins Diadema antillarum and Mellita quinquiesperforata collected in the Caribbean Cordobés were evaluated against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae and against the phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium sp., Scleortium sp., and Rhizoctonia sp. Our results show that O. reticulatus and D. antillarum produce compounds producing bacterial inhibition at low concentrations (< 100 μg / ml), while, M. quinquiesperforata extracts showed no inhibition at any of the concentrations tested. Specifically, the strain of S. aureus was the one with greater susceptibility to the extracts evaluated, i.e. the metabolites produced by echinoderms inhibit more easily gram + bacteria. Only the D. antillarum dichloromethane affected Fusarium sp. with inhibition of 78.2 % and 56.5 % at concentrations of 2 000 and 100 μg / ml. Strains of the fungi Sclerotium sp. and Rhizoctonia sp. had resistance to all extracts. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 329-337. Epub 2015 June 01.

Riqueza y distribución de equinodermos en los arrecifes del norte y sur de Veracruz, México / Richness and distribution of echinoderms from northern and southern reef systems in Veracruz, Mexico

Resumen Para obtener datos sobre la composición y distribución de los equinodermos presentes en los sistemas arrecifales del norte (Blanquilla, Medio, Lobos y Blake) y sur de Veracruz (La Perla, Zapotitlán, Palo Seco y Tripie) México, se efectuaron 539 muestreos y 770 colectas distribuidos en los diferentes hábitats de cada sistema de marzo a diciembre de 2013 mediante buceo libre y SCUBA. Para valorar las diferencias a cada escala espacial (tipo de arrecife, arrecife y hábitat) se efectuaron análisis de similitud con los índices de Jaccard y EMNM. Se registraron un total de 45 especies pertenecientes a 34 géneros y 26 familias, incluyendo cinco nuevos registros para el estado de Veracruz. El mayor número de especies corresponde a las clases: Ophiuroidea (15 especies) y Echinoidea (13 especies). Los sistemas del norte mostraron una mayor riqueza (40 especies) comparados con los del sur (27 especies). Por localidad, el arrecife Lobos (31 especies) presentó la mayor riqueza y la formación Tripie (7 especies) la menor. El EMNM dividió a los tres tipos de arrecifes, a escala de arrecifes, los marginales se alejan de los arrecifes plataforma y sumergidos. A nivel de hábitats, las zonas someras se separan de las profundas, las praderas de Thalassia y la planicie arrecifal de las pendientes y no se observaron diferencias entre hábitats en los sistema marginales, excepto en el barco hundido. La fauna de equinodermos asociados a los arrecifes de Veracruz está compuesta por 54 especies. El tipo de arrecife así como los atributos del sustrato y la profundidad son muy importantes para definir la riqueza y distribución espacial de los equinodermos.

Abstract Echinoderms are a key element in the structure and function of their ecosystems. To study composition and distribution of echinoderms from northern (Blanquilla, Medio, Lobos and Blake) and southern (La Perla, Zapotitlan, Palo Seco and Tripie) reefs of Veracruz, Mexico, 539 visual censuses and 770 collects distributed in different habitats of each reef were done from March to December 2013 using free and SCUBA diving. To evaluate spatial differences at different scales (type reef, reef and habitat), a similarity analysis was done using Jaccard index and NMDS. 45 species of 34 genera and 26 families were recorded, including five new records for Veracruz. Ophiuroidea (15 species) and Echinoidea (13 species) showed more species. Northern reefs presented more species (40 species) than southern reefs (27 species). By locality, Lobos reef presented the greatest richness (31 species) and Tripie (7 species) the poorest. NMDS at type reef separated the three type reefs, at reef scale fringing reefs were divided from platform and submerged reefs. At habitat scale, shallow zones were separated from deep areas, Thalassia beds and reef flat from slopes and there were not differences between habitats in fringing reefs except in the sunken ship. The fauna of echinoderms associated to reefs of State of Veracruz is composed by 54 species. The type of reef and the characteristics of substrate and depth are very important to define the richness and spatial distribution of echinoderms. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 183-193. Epub 2015 June 01.

Revisión de la familia Phyllophoridae (Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida) de las aguas mexicanas / Review of the Phyllophoridae family (Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida) in Mexican waters

Resumen La fauna de equinodermos de México está representada por 643 especies. Dentro de éstas, 113 pertenecen a la Clase Holothuroidea (pepinos de mar). Los filofóridos (Holothuroidea: Phyllophoridae) se distinguen por presentar más de 10 tentáculos y un anillo calcáreo con prolongaciones posteriores, formado por piezas pequeñas a manera de mosaico. Sus hábitos crípticos han hecho difícil su registro a través de muchos años en la historia de la taxonomía del grupo en México. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo, informar el estado del conocimiento sobre la diversidad de pepinos de mar, de la familia Phyllophoridae, en las aguas territoriales mexicanas. Se presentan 16 especies, pertenecientes a seis géneros, habitantes tanto de las zonas someras (0 - 200 m) como de las profundas (> 200 m) del Pacífico mexicano, Golfo de California, Caribe mexicano y Golfo de México. Dentro de éstas, se incluyen tres nuevos registros para México. Se elaboró un catálogo taxonómico de identificación para cada especie, brindando información sobre la morfología externa e interna, el material examinado, el material y localidad tipo, los reportes previos para México, así como la distribución geográfica y batimétrica; además se incluyen las fotografías tomadas con Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido (MEB) de la forma y combinación de las espículas. El trabajo se complementa con una clave dicotómica para su identificación.

Abstract The fauna of the echinoderms of Mexico is represented by 643 species. Within these, 113 belong to the class Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers). The phyllophorids (Holothuroidea: Phyllophoridae) are characterized by the presence of more than 10 tentacles and a calcareous ring prolonged posteriorly with small pieces forming a mosaic-like appearance. Their cryptic habits have made them difficult to record during the many years of taxonomic studies regarding this group in Mexico. This paper aims to raise awareness of the state of knowledge on the diversity of the Phyllophoridae family in Mexican territorial waters. We present 16 species belonging to six genera, living in shallow (0 - 200 m) to deep (> 200 m) waters in the Mexican Pacific, Gulf of California, Mexican Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Within these, three new records are included. A taxonomic identification catalog was obtained for each species, providing information about external and internal morphology; the material was examined and recorded with information from type material and locality, all previous reports for Mexico, the geographic and bathymetric distribution as well as photographs taken with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the shape and combination of the spicules. The work is complemented with a dichotomous key for identification. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 77-85. Epub 2015 June 01.

Primeros registros de equinodermos (Echinodermata) en aguas someras de Corn Island, Caribe, Nicaragua / First records of echinoderms (Echinodermata) in shallow waters of Corn Island, Caribe, Nicaragua

Resumen Los estudios de muchos grupos faunísticos de invertebrados marinos han sido escasos en la zona de la Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur (RAAS), de Nicaragua. A lo anterior se añade la falta de información general con respecto a la biodiversidad faunística de Corn Island. La fauna de equinodermos estudiada en este trabajo proviene de una gran variedad de ambientes, desde la zona rocosa litoral, arenales, pastos marinos hasta zonas de arrecife coralino. Los equinodermos recolectados, se obtuvieron a partir de 14 puntos de muestreos elegidos a partir del conocimiento de los pescadores locales; en diversos tipos de sustratos marinos, auxiliados por equipo de buceo SCUBA durante el periodo comprendido entre agosto 2012 y marzo 2013. Se registró un total de 41 especies correspondientes a cuatro clases: tres especies de asteroideos, 16 especies de ofiuroideos, 11 especies de equinoideos y 11 especies de holoturoideos. La especie más común fue Ophiolepis impressa estuvo presente en diez de las 14 localidades, seguida de Diadema antillarum, Eucidaris tribuloides y Ophioderma cinerea que estuvieron presentes en siete localidades cada una. Las especies menos comunes fueron Clypeaster rosaceus, Leodia sexiesperforata, Meoma ventricosa y Ophioderma guttata. El estudio de las comunidades de estos invertebrados en diversos hábitats marinos, facilita la comparación del estado de fluctuación de dichas comunidades a lo largo del tiempo, ya fuesen cambios naturales o causados por las actividades humanas.

Abstract There are few works on ecology and diversity of echinoderms in Nicaragua. Studies of many faunal groups of marine invertebrates, in particular which should focus on the fauna of tropical areas, have been scarce or have received only limited attention from the scientific community and government authorities of the South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAS) of Nicaragua. Scientific research on these groups has targeted mainly resources of commercial importance (e.g. spiny lobster, Panulirus argus). There is lack of information regarding the faunal biodiversity of Corn Island in general. The echinoderm fauna studied in this work comes from a wide variety of environments, from the rocky coastal area, sandy beaches, sea grass to areas of coral reef. Echinoderms were collected, from 14 points in a variety of marine substrates, aided by SCUBA diving equipment during the period from August 2012 to March 2013. There was a total of 41 species corresponding to four classes: three species of Asteroids, 16 species of ophiuroids, 11 species of Echinoids and 11 species of holoturoids. The most common species was Ophiolepis impressa present in ten of the 14 localities, followed of Diadema antillarum, Eucidaris tribuloides and Ophioderma cinerea who were present at seven locations each, respectively. The less common species were Clypeaster rosaceus, Leodia sexiesperforata, Meoma ventricosa and Ophioderma guttata. The study of echinoderms in diverse marine habitats facilitates the comparison of the state of fluctuation of those communities along time. Whether they were natural or caused by human activities. Therefore, the present study expands knowledge about the species of echinoderms that live in shallow areas of Corn Island (between 0-10 m depth), so able to establish measures for the conservation of these species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 27-35. Epub 2015 June 01.

Equinodermos enffondos someros del sector la ahmadera, bahía de cispatá, córdooba, caribe Colombiano / Echinoderms in Shallow-Bottom from Ahumadera Sector, Cispatá Bay, Cordoba, Colombian Caribbean

Este estudio representa un reporte de la fauna de equinodermos que se encuentran en fondos someros del sector La Ahumadera, bahía de Cispatá, Caribe colombiano. El área está formada por un sustrato de tipo fango-arenoso colonizado por esponjas en punta Terraplén, y arenoso con pasto marino (Thalassia testudinum), macroalgas y esponjas en punta Robalo. Se identificaron diez especies de equinodermos que pertenecen a cuatro clases (Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea y Holothuroidea), distribuidas en ocho familias y nueve géneros. El número de taxones identificados corresponde al 4,1% de las especies registradas para el Caribe colombiano, y muestra la representatividad de especies de equinodermos en este sector. Las especies más abundantes en punta Robalo fueron Encope michelini (24,3%) y Ophiothrix angulata, mientras que en punta Terraplén fueron los ofiuros O. angulata (36,7%) y Ophiactis savignyi (16,5%). Se determinó mayor riqueza (S= 9), diversidad (H'= 2,64) y uniformidad (U= 0,92) de especies en punta Robalo al ser comparado con los valores obtenidos en Terraplén (S= 6, H'= 2,39 y U= 0,83). Ambas estaciones mostraron un índice de similitud (Is) de 0,66. Entre las especies identificadas, las siguientes son nuevos registros para el departamento de Córdoba: Holothuria floridana, Encope michelini y Mellita quinquiesperforata.

This study represents a report of the echinoderm fauna found in shallow waters of the sector La Ahumadera, Cispatá Bay, Colombian Caribbean. The area is formed by a plain substrate type soft sand-mud colonized by sponges in punta Terraplén and sandy with seagrass (Thalassia testudinum), macroalgae and sponges in punta Robalo. Were identified ten species of echinoderms belonging to four classes (Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea and Holothuroidea), distributed in eight families and nine genera. The number of taxa identified corresponds to 4.1% of the species recorded for the Colombian Caribbean, and shows the representation of species of echinoderms in this sector. The most abundant species in punta Robalo were Encope michelini (24.3%) and Ophiothrix angulata, while in punta Terraplén were O. angulata (36.7%) and Ophiactis savignyi (16.5%). Higher richness (S= 9), diversity (H'= 2.64) and evenness (U= 0.92) were found in punta Robalo compared to values from Terraplén (S= 6, H'= 2.39 and U= 0.83). Both stations showed a similarity index (Is) of 0.66.Among the species identified, the following are new records for the department of Córdoba: Holothuria floridana, Encope michelini and Mellita quinquiesperforata.

Filogeografía de Holothuria (Halodeima) inornata Semper, 1868 (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea)

Se evaluó la estructura genética de las poblaciones de Holothuria (Halodeima) inornata Semper, 1868, y se investigó cuáles podrían ser las barreras para el flujo de genes y procesos históricos. Se recolectaron muestras tratando de abarcar su ámbito de distribución, desde México hasta el norte de Perú. Con base en secuencias del gen COI se detectaron 118 haplotipos en 220 individuos y las diferencias entre dichos haplotipos fueron debidas a 97 sitios variables (21.41%) en los 453 pb secuenciados. Se observó una alta diversidad de haplotipos (h=0.979) y moderada diversidad nucleotídica (π=0.017). Para analizar la diferenciación genética, se utilizaron los valores de Fst, el test exacto de diferenciación poblacional y los análisis de varianza molecular (AMOVA). Estos análisis sugieren que existen dos poblaciones: las del norte, frente a las costas de: Sinaloa, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero y Oaxaca; y las del sur, frente a las costas de: Chiapas, El Salvador, Panamá y Perú. Los acontecimientos históricos y los patrones oceanográficos podrían ser los principales factores que determinaron la dispersión y estructura de la población de H. inornata, es probable que la población original se haya extendido inicialmente en el sur y luego hacia el norte. Además, la separación entre estas dos poblaciones podría deberse al Golfo de Tehuantepec, el cual está constituido por una serie de eventos tectónicos y oceanográficos que constituyen una barrera para el asentamiento de H. inornata.

Genetic structure of the populations of H. inornata was evaluated and the barriers for genetic flux and historic processes were investigated. Samples were collected trying to cover the distribution range of the species, from Mexico to northern Perú. Based on COI sequences, 118 haplotypes from 220 specimens were detected; the differences between such haplotypes were due to 97 variable sites (21.41%) of the 453 bp sequenced. A high haplotype diversity (h=0.979) and a moderate nucleotidic diversity were observed. The values of Fst, the exact test of population differentiation, and the molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) were used in order to analyze the genetic differentiation. These analyses suggest the existence of two populations: northern, off the coasts of Sinaloa, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, and southern, off the coasts of Chiapas, El Salvador, Panamá and Perú. Historic events and oceanographic patterns may be the main factors determining dispersion and structure of Hi populations. It seems probable that the original population have extended first in the south and then northern. Besides, the split between these two populations may be due to several tectonic and oceanographic events constituting a barrier for H. inornata settling.

Echinodermata da Baía de Todos os Santos e da Baía de Aratu (Bahia, Brasil) / Echinoderms from Todos os Santos Bay and Aratu Bay (Bahia, Brazil)

Neste trabalho são registrados os equinodermos (exceto Holothuroidea) obtidos durante a execução do projeto "Marine Environmental Evaluation of the Todos os Santos Bay-MAREMBA" em julho/agosto de 1996 e durante o projeto "Geoecologia das comunidades bentônicas infralitorais da Baía de Todos os Santos (BTS), BA, Brasil: diversidade biótica e sedimentológica", (1997). Um total de 33 espécies pertencentes a 15 famílias foram registradas e re-descritas. A distribuição de Ophiactis brasiliensis Manso, 1988 e Amphiodia trychna H.L. Clark, 1918 é estendida para a região nordeste do Brasil. A classe Ophiuroidea foi dominante nas amostragens em termos de abundância e freqüência de ocorrência, em particular as espécies Amphiodia atra Stimpson, 1852, Amphipholis subtilis (Ljungman, 1867), Ophiactislymani Ljungman, 1871 e Ophiostigma isocanthum (Say, 1825). O asteróide Oreaster reticulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) é considerado vulnerável à exploração humana e foi escasso durante as coletas. Outras espécies encontradas na BTS, tais como os asteroides Luidia clathrata (Say, 1825) e L. senegalensis (Lamarck, 1816) e o equinóide Eucidaristribuloides (Lamarck, 1816) figuram na lista nacional de espécies de invertebrados aquáticos ameaçados de extinção.

We present the results of the studies on biodiversity of Echinodermata (except Holothuroidea) from the Projects "Marine Environmental Evaluation of the Todos os Santos Bay - MAREMBA" (July/August 1996) and "Geoecology of the Benthic Infralitoral Communities of Todos os Santos Bay (BTS), Bahia, Brazil" (1997). A total of 33 species from 15 families were registered and re-described. The distribution of Ophiactis brasiliensis Manso, 1988 and Amphiodia trychna H.L. Clark, 1918 is extended to northwestern Brazil. The class Ophiuroidea was dominant in samples in terms of abundance and frequency of occurrence, in particular Amphiodia atra Stimpson, 1852, Amphipholis subtilis (Ljungman, 1867), Ophiactislymani Ljungman, 1871and Ophiostigma isocanthum (Say, 1825). The asteroid Oreaster reticulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) is considered vulnerable to human exploration and was scarce during the surveys. Other species found at BTS, such the asteroids Luidia clathrata (Say, 1825) and L. senegalensis (Lamarck, 1816) and the echinoid Eucidaristribuloides (Lamarck, 1816)are included in the national list of threatened invertebrate species.

Echinodermata da Praia do Cabo Branco, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil / Echinodermata from Cabo Branco Beach, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

Este estudo retrata a fauna de equinodermos encontrada na Praia do Cabo Branco, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil. Esta praia é formada por um terraço de abrasão marinha do tipo arenito-ferruginoso e está localizada no ponto mais oriental das Américas. Foram identificadas 32 espécies de equinodermos pertencentes a quatro classes (Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea e Holothuroidea), distribuídas em 18 famílias e 24 gêneros. O número de táxons identificados corresponde a 9,7 por cento das espécies registradas para o litoral Brasileiro e mostra a significativa diversidade das espécies de Echinodermata encontrada nesta área. A classe Ophiuroidea foi a mais diversa com 13 espécies, seguida por Holothuroidea (10 spp.), Asteroidea (5 spp.) e Echinoidea (4 spp). Do total de espécies registradas, as seguintes são novas ocorrências para o litoral do Estado da Paraíba: Ophiocnida scabriuscula, Ophiomyxa flaccida, Ophiactis lymani, Ophionereis reticulata, Ophioderma januarii, Ophiophragmus brachyatis, Thyone cognita, T. suspecta, Ocnus suspectus, Phyllophorus occidentalis, P. communis, Lissothuria sp. Holothuria grisea, H. arenicola, Chiridota rotifera, Synaptula hydriformis, Echinaster nudus, Linckia guildingii, Lytechinus variegatus, Mellita quinquiesperforata e Leodia sexiesperforata.

The present study examined the fauna of echinoderms at Cabo Branco Beach, João Pessoa, state of Paraíba, Brazil. The beach was formed by the erosion of a sandstone terrace. Thirty two species from four echinoderm classes (Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea and Holothuroidea) distributed among 18 families and 24 genera were identified. The number of identified taxons corresponds to 9.7 percent of the total number of species registered for the entire Brazilian coast, and demonstrates the significant diversity of echinoderm species in this area. Class Ophiuroidea was the most diverse, with 13 species, followed by Holothuroidea (10 spp.), Asteroidea (5 spp.) and Echinoidea (4 spp.). Among the recorded species, the following were new occurrences for the state of Paraíba: Ophiocnida scabriuscula, Ophiomyxa flaccida, Ophiactis lymani, Ophionereis reticulata, Ophioderma januarii, Ophiophragmus brachyatis, Thyone cognita, T. suspecta, Ocnus suspectus, Phyllophorus occidentalis, P. communis, Lissothuria sp., Holothuria grisea, Holothuria arenicola, Chiridota rotifera, Synaptula hydriformis, Echinaster nudus, Linckia guildingii, Lytechinus variegatus, Mellita quinquiesperforata and Leodia sexiesperforata.