A new species of Lumbrineriopsis (Annelida, Eunicida, Lumbrineridae) from southeastern Brazil.

Lumbrineriopsisdulcissp. nov. is morphologically described from the continental shelf and slope of Espírito Santo and the Campos Basin of Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil, at depths between 14 and 400 m. Lumbrineriopsismucronata is the only species of the genus recorded until now in Brazil. The new species differs from other congeneric species in its jaw-apparatus morphology with unfused mandibles and a fixed number of simple limbate chaetae and simple, bidentate, hooded hooks in each parapodium. This paper aims to fill the gap in knowledge on the family Lumbrineridae, which has not been studied in Brazil for the last 25 years and provides the first record of the genus from Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro states. This record is significant given the damage to the marine ecosystem of the Espírito Santo region due to the 2015 rupture of the Samarco mining company dam, the largest environmental disaster in Brazil's history. In addition, this region has important environmental conservation units such as Costa das Algas Environmental Protection Area, Santa Cruz Wildlife Refuge, and Comboios Biological Reserve. All these preserved areas are of paramount importance for the protection of marine biological diversity.

Capitellidae (Annelida) from the Brazilian Continental Margin (SW Atlantic): new occurrences of three genera and description of new species.

The Brazilian Continental Margin hosts several deep seafloor landscapes. However, this deep margin is still poorly studied and monitored, compared to coastal and continental shelf areas, historically limited to areas of particular economic interest. Some studies financed by the Brazilian oil and gas company have been conducted off Southeast (SE) Brazil (Esprito Santo and Campos Basins) as part of the environmental licensing process for resource exploration. Similar results showed that annelid polychaetes dominated on the continental shelf and upper slope. Within a wide bathymetric range, Capitellidae species belonging to three different genera represented new records for Brazil: Mastobranchus Eisig, 1887, Peresiella Harmelin, 1968, and Polymastigos Green, 2002. Mastobranchus braziliensis sp. nov. was found in shallow waters (20147m) of both Esprito Santo and Campos Basins; Peresiella megapapilata sp. nov. occurred from 21 to 446m of both Esprito Santo and Campos Basins; and Polymastigos profundus sp. nov. inhabited greater depths (9901361m) of the Esprito Santo Basin only. Three new species are described and compared to other species of the respective genus, the diagnosis of some genera amended and the type material of Mastobranchus loii Gallardo, 1968 redescribed. Although the three genera have the same number of thoracic chaetigers, they present several morphological differences, and the current effort being made is to translate those differences into characters to be included on the generic diagnosis of each genus. Additionally, two new morphological characters were proposed for the family, the shape of thoracic chaetigers and depth of intersegmental groove.

Redescription of Leiocapitella atlantica Hartman, 1965 and description of a new species from the Southeast Brazil (Annelida, Capitellidae).

The genus Leiocapitella was described as having a wide variation on the number of thoracic chaetigers (13-17); however, this variation was added to the diagnosis of the genus based on undescribed species. A shortening in the range of variation of thoracic chaetigers is proposed until a re-examination of these species and a formal description be made. Currently, there are five valid species and a single species has been previously recorded in Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of this genus occurring in the Southeast Brazil. A new species has been found in samples collected on subtidal areas, Leiocapitella sensibilis sp. nov., and it is described and compared to other species of the genus. Leiocapitella atlantica Hartman, 1965 is redescribed after examination of the type material.

Scyphoproctus Gravier, 1904 (Annelida, Capitellidae): description of three new species and relocation of Heteromastides Augener, 1914 in Scyphoproctus.

Capitellids of the genus Scyphoproctus are most readily identified by the distinctive pygidial region, generally consisting of a number of segments fused with the pygidium, forming a weakly or well-developed anal plaque. To date, there are 17 valid species, however, only one species has been previously recorded in Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of the genus occurring along the Northeast and Southeast coasts and sublittoral areas of Brazil. Three new species have been found in samples collected in a variety of habitats and depths, Scyphoproctus paivai sp. nov., S. profundus sp. nov., and S. robustus sp. nov. The new species are herein described and compared to other species of the genus and type material of two additional species are re-described, Scyphoproctus oculatus Reish, 1959 and S. pseudoarmatus (Silva 1965). The genus Heteromastides Augener, 1914 is herein relocated in Scyphoproctus Gravier, 1904 and the previous species Heteromastides platyproctus Pillai, 1961 (junior homonym) renamed as Scyphoproctus telesphorei n. nov. after the species author Telesphore Gottfried Pillai, because there is already a species named Scyphoproctus platyproctus Jones, 1961 (senior homonym). A taxonomic key of the valid and new species is also given.

Atlantic West Ophiothrix spp. in the scope of integrative taxonomy: Confirming the existence of Ophiothrix trindadensis Tommasi, 1970.

We re-describe and confirm the validity of Ophiothrix trindadensis Tommasi, 1970 (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea). This is a native species from Brazil, however it lacked a type series deposited in scientific collections. The recognition of O. trindadensis was made possible using integrative taxonomy applied to many specimens from the type locality (Trindade Island) as well as from different locations along the Brazilian coast (Araçá Bay and Estuarine Complex of Paranaguá). Initially, 835 specimens were studied and divided into four candidate species (CS) inferred from external morphological characters. Afterwards, the CSs were compared using integrative taxonomy based on external morphology, arm microstructures morphology (arm ossicle), morphometry, and molecular studies (fragments of the mitochondrial genes 16S and COI). Analyses indicated CS1 and CS2 as O. trindadensis, and CS3 as O. angulata, both valid species. CS4 remains O. cf. angulata as more data, including their ecology and physiology, are needed to be definitively clarified. Our integrative investigation using specimens from the type locality overcame the lack of type specimens and increased the reliable identification of O. trindadensis and O. angulata.

Araçá: biodiversidade, impactos e ameaças / Araçá: biodiversity, impacts and threats

Inserida em uma das mais belas e turísticas regiões litorâneas do país - o Litoral Norte do Estado de São Paulo -, a Baía do Araçá (São Sebastião, SP), além de conter remanescentes de manguezal e de abrigar alta diversidade biológica, é também um verdadeiro laboratório a céu aberto e um importante reduto de catadores de moluscos e pescadores artesanais. Com o objetivo de compilar preliminarmente a biodiversidade da baía, este estudo reúne a extensa bibliografia dedicada à região e apresenta a lista das espécies da fauna e da flora formalmente reportadas para o local. O texto sumaria ainda o histórico das alterações antrópicas sofridas nas últimas décadas e destaca certos representantes da fauna (espécies novas, ameaçadas de extinção, bioindicadoras e como recursos naturais), como exemplos da peculiaridade e riqueza biológica dessa pequena baía. Pretende-se, assim, fornecer subsídios para tomadas de decisão e planos de manejo, e despertar a atenção para a preservação desse frágil patrimônio ambiental, uma área que pode ser revitalizada e integrada ao ambiente urbanizado.

Araçá Bay (São Sebastião, State of São Paulo), within one of Brazil's most beautiful coastlines, has small relict mangrove stands and a very diverse marine ecosystem. As such, the bay is a natural laboratory as well as important for local small scale fishing. In this study we summarize the large literature base to comprehensibly list the flora and fauna as a preliminary biodiversity inventory of Araçá Bay. We place this in the historical context of human impact on the environment of the bay and we emphasize new, introduced and threatened species as bioindicators and natural resources. With this information, we provide a basis to inform conservation decisions as well as data for conservation management plans and call attention to the urgent need to protect this fragile environment and biota. We also emphasize that this small and uniquely biologically rich bay should be preserved, revitalized and integrated into the growing urban environment.

First occurrence of the family Paralacydoniidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) in the South Atlantic Ocean / Primeira ocorrência da família Paralacydoniidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) no Oceano Atlântico Sul

Paralacydoniid polychaetes belonging to the genus Paralacydonia Fauvel 1913 were collected during the REVIZEE Program/South Score/Benthos ("Avaliação do Potencial Sustentável dos Recursos Vivos na Zona Econômica Exclusiva") on the outer shelf and continental slope off the south-southeastern coast of Brazil between 156 and 400 m depth. This new report extends the known geographic distribution of the family, which had previously been recorded in the North Atlantic as far as the Gulf of Mexico. Paralacydonia is here treated as monotypic; P. mortenseni Augener 1924 and P. weberi Horst 1923 are considered synonyms of Paralacydonia paradoxa Fauvel 1913.

Poliquetas paralacidoniídeos pertencentes ao gênero monotípico Paralacydonia Fauvel 1913 foram coletados durante o Programa REVIZEE/Score Sul/Bentos ("Avaliação do Potencial Sustentável dos Recursos Vivos na Zona Econômica Exclusiva") na plataforma externa e talude continental na costa sul-sudeste do Brasil entre 156 e 400 m de profundidade. Esta nova ocorrência amplia grandemente a distribuição geográfica dos representantes da família, a qual tinha sido previamente registrada no Atlântico Norte até o Golfo do México. Paralacydonia é tratado aqui como monotípico; P. mortenseni Augener 1924 e P. weberi Horst 1923 são considerados sinônimos de Paralacydonia paradoxa Fauvel 1913.

Glyceridae Grube 1850 (Annelida: Polychaeta) from Southern and Southeastern Brazil, including a new species of Glycera / Glyceridae Grube 1850 (Annelida: Polychaeta) da região sudeste e sul do Brasil, incluindo uma nova espécie de Glycera

This systematic study of the polychaete species of the family Glyceridae is part of a broader program to inventory and determine parameters for conservation and sustainable use of the marine biodiversity off the southeastern and southern coast of Brazil. The material studied was collected from intertidal sandy beaches, the inner continental shelf (<50 m depth) off the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, and the outer continental shelf and part of the continental slope (depths from 60 to 808 m) off the state of Rio de Janeiro south to Rio Grande do Sul (22º S - 34º 40' S). The descriptions of several species were improved, adding new and important taxonomic characters, mainly related to proboscideal papillae. A key for identification of the glycerid species from southeastern and southern Brazil is also provided. Eight species of Glyceridae were identified: Glycera americana Leidy 1855; Glycera brevicirris Grube 1870; Glycera dibranchiata Ehlers 1868; Glycera lapidum Quatrefages 1866; Glycera oxycephala Ehlers 1887; Glycera tesselata Grube 1863; Hemipodia californiensis (Hartman 1938); Hemipodia simplex (Grube 1857); and a previously unknown species of Glycera.

O estudo sistemático das espécies da família Glyceridae é parte de um amplo programa de inventariamento e determinação de parâmetros abióticos para conservação e uso sustentável da biodiversidade marinha ao largo da costa sudeste e sul do Brasil. O material estudado foi coletado desde a região entremarés de praias arenosas até a plataforma interna (<50 m prof.) na costa norte de São Paulo, e da plataforma externa ao talude superior (profundidades entre 60 e 808 m) desde a costa sul do Rio de Janeiro até a o sul do Rio Grande do Sul (22º S - 34º 40' S). As descrições de algumas espécies foram ampliadas, com a adição de novos e importantes caracteres taxonômicos, principalmente relacionados às papilas proboscidiais. Uma chave de identificação para as espécies de glicerídeos da região sudeste e sul do Brasil é fornecida. Oito espécies de Glyceridae foram identificadas: Glycera americana Leidy 1855; Glycera brevicirris Grube 1870; Glycera dibranchiata Ehlers 1868; Glycera lapidum Quatrefages 1866; Glycera oxycephala Ehlers 1887; Glycera tesselata Grube 1863; Hemipodia californiensis (Hartman 1938); Hemipodia simplex (Grube 1857); além de uma espécie previamente desconhecida de Glycera.

Nephtyidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from São Paulo State, Brazil, including a new record for the Brazilian coast / Nephtyidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, incluindo um novo registro para a costa brasileira

In the present study, four species of Nephtyidae, Aglaophamus juvenalis (Kinberg 1866), Nephtys acrochaeta Hartman 1950, Nephtys californiensis Hartman 1938 and Nephtys squamosa Ehlers 1887, were found from the intertidal zone to the shallow sublittoral (<50 m) off São Paulo, Brazil, during the program BIOTA/FAPESP Marine Benthos. Descriptions and notes on each of them are provided. Nephtys californiensis is a new record for the Brazilian coast. Keys to genera and species of Nephtyidae recorded from Brazil are given.

Neste estudo, quatro espécies de Nephtyidae: Aglaophamus juvenalis (Kinberg 1866), Nephtys acrochaeta Hartman 1950, Nephtys californiensis Hartman 1938 e Nephtys squamosa Ehlers 1887 foram coletadas desde a região entremarés até o sublitoral raso (<50 m) da costa de São Paulo, Brasil, durante o Programa BIOTA/FAPESP Bentos Marinho. Descrições e comentários são fornecidos para cada uma delas. Nephtys californiensis é um novo registro para a costa brasileira. Chaves para gêneros e espécies de Nephtyidae registrados no Brasil são fornecidas.

Structure of molluscan assemblages in sheltered intertidal unconsolidated environments

A malacofauna de 13 ambientes oceânicos, protegidos, entremarés e não-consolidados e sua relação com os fatores abióticos foram estudados com o intuito de conhecer a riqueza de espécies e compreender o papel dos fatores abióticos na estruturação das associações. Quatro tipos distintos de ambiente entremarés foram reconhecidos com base nos descritores da comunidade (diversidade, riqueza e densidade) e nas características abióticas. O tamanho médio do grão de areia (em phy) e a inclinação da praia mostraram uma relação negativa com a diversidade, riqueza e densidade. Sedimentos grossos foram favoráveis à fauna de moluscos nas áreas estudadas, contrastando o bem conhecido efeito negativo deste tipo de areia sobre a fauna em praias oceânicas típicas. Os terraços de maré baixa, típicos de áreas dominadas pela maré, e a presença de estruturas biogênicas, tais como fragmentos rochosos e cascalho, estiveram também associados aos altos valores de riqueza. O grande número de espécies registrado na área estudada como um todo parece ser uma conseqüência direta desta heterogeneidade ambiental, uma vez que esta é composta por tipos de ambientes altamente distintos.