The unusual case of the widely distributed fiddler crab Minuca rapax (Smith, 1870) from the western Atlantic: an exemplary polytypic species

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1465 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. L. Thurman ◽  
M. J. Hopkins ◽  
A. L. Brase ◽  
H.-T. Shih
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Fiddler Crab ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Northern Portion ◽  
Limited Gene Flow ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
The Caribbean

A classic dilemma in taxonomy is distinguishing intraspecific from interspecific variation. In order to better comprehend the process of divergence and speciation, we examine morphological, genetic, developmental and behavioural variation among related fiddler crab populations from eastern North America, the Caribbean and South America. We chose geographically remote populations that appear related to Minuca rapax (Smith, 1870). First, using females from across the range of the species, we use geometric morphometric techniques to identify regional differences in carapace shape. Second, in the northern portion of the range, the Caribbean into the Gulf of Mexico, we report variation in the relationship between corporal size and cheliped length in males. Third, we examine the major components of the courtship waves produced by males from several locations in the western Gulf of Mexico. Fourth, we compare the structure of the gastric mill between different populations in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. And, fifth, we use mitochondrial 16S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I as genetic markers to define the phylogeographic relationship among specimens from more than 20 populations. From these studies, we find discrete, distinct populations across the original range of the species. In particular, populations in the northern Gulf of Mexico appear to represent a lineage that has resulted from limited gene flow and sustained selection pressures. On the basis of the observed degree of divergence, it is apparent that some separated populations in M. rapax should be recognised as evolutionary significant units. The geographic range of these populations is consistent with the historical range for Minuca virens (Salmon & Atsaides, 1968), a putative species that otherwise cannot be consistently distinguished from M. rapax based on discrete external morphological characters. This study provides evidence for M. virens as an emergent but possibly not completely isolated subclade of the M. rapax species complex.

Molecular evidence supporting the expansion of the geographical distribution of the Brazilian cownose ray Rhinoptera brasiliensis (Myliobatiformes: Rhinopteridae) in the western Atlantic

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4341 (4) ◽  
pp. 593 ◽  
Author(s):  
PAOLA PALACIOS-BARRETO ◽  
VANESSA P. CRUZ ◽  
FAUSTO FORESTI ◽  
BIANCA DE S. RANGEL ◽  
MANUEL URIBE-ALCOCER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Nuclear Gene ◽  
Large Degree ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Cownose Ray ◽  
Distribution Ranges ◽  
Northern Portion ◽  
The Caribbean

The genus Rhinoptera is composed of eight species widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate coastal waters, which inhabit bays, estuaries and river mouths. Cownose ray Rhinoptera bonasus has been reported to inhabit the Western Atlantic including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, whereas the Brazilian cownose ray R. brasiliensis has been considered endemic to the coast of Brazil. Recent reports of R. brasiliensis in the Gulf of Mexico bring about the question of whether the species has a wider range than previously reported. Here, the mitochondrial genes COI, Cytb, NADH2 and the nuclear gene RAG1 were used to distinguish among species and to confirm the presence of R. brasiliensis in the Gulf of Mexico. R. brasiliensis specimens collected along the southern Gulf of Mexico showed a remarkable genetic and morphological affinity when compared with R. brasiliensis specimens from Brazil, supporting the presence of the species in Mexico (from Veracruz through Campeche) and providing evidence that its distribution ranges from Brazil to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Both species overlap geographically to a large degree, leading to a reassessment of their conservation status. Our results also show that R. bonasus distribution in the Gulf of Mexico may be restricted to the northern portion, in US waters. 

A new species of Tambja (Nudibranchia: Polyceridae: Nembrothinae) from southern Brazil

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 979-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Pola ◽  
J. Lucas Cervera ◽  
Terrence M. Gosliner
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Anterior Margin ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Light Blue ◽  
Isthmus Of Panama ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
A New Species ◽  
Yellowish Orange

A new species of the genus Tambja is described from the western Atlantic on the coast of Brazil. To date, the genus Tambja was represented in the Atlantic Ocean by nine species but only three of them have been recorded from the western Atlantic: T. gratiosa from the Gulf of Mexico, T. divae from Brazil and T. oliva from the Caribbean coast of the Isthmus of Panama. Tambja stegosauriformis sp. nov. is easily distinguished from all its congeneric Atlantic species of the genus by having very well developed light blue tubercles scattered on the yellowish-orange ground with an elongate crest behind the gill until the end of the tail. The anterior margin of the notum is very wide and elevated and it extends into a kind of lapel around the rhinophores. This peculiar external morphology and its conspicuous coloration characterize this species.

Batillipes pennaki Marcus, 1946 (Arthrotardigrada: Batillipedidae): deciphering a species complex

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4648 (3) ◽  
pp. 549-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
ERIKA SANTOS ◽  
PURI VEIGA ◽  
MARCOS RUBAL ◽  
PAUL J. BARTELS ◽  
CLÉLIA M. C. DA ROCHA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Species Complex ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Mediterranean Population ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Original Diagnosis ◽  
Discriminant Analyses ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Pseudocryptic Species

Batillipes pennaki has been considered a common and a cosmopolitan marine tardigrade species. However, the original diagnosis of this species is very incomplete, and consequently there is a high probability of incorrect records. Therefore, a comparative analysis of quantitative and qualitative morphological characters among eight different populations from the Atlantic basin was done in this study to investigate if B. pennaki is a complex of similar species, each with a restricted distribution range. The result of discriminant analyses showed clear morphometric differences between populations that were arranged into three main groups, distinguishing Western Atlantic populations, Eastern Atlantic populations and a Mediterranean population. Furthermore, the result of analyses of morphological structures revealed peculiarities of some traits with taxonomic relevance, such as leg IV sensory organs and primary clavae, consistent with the clusters revealed by quantitative data, allowing us to distinguish three different pseudocryptic species and supporting the hypothesis that B. pennaki is a species complex. 

Morphological and molecular characterization of Lobophora declerckii and L. variegata (Dictyotales, Ochrophyta) on the Atlantic coast of Mexico

Phytotaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 382 (1) ◽  
pp. 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOSÉ LUIS GODÍNEZ-ORTEGA ◽  
LIDIA I. CABRERA ◽  
RICARDO GARCÍA-SANDOVAL ◽  
MICHAEL J. WYNNE ◽  
HUGO F. OLIVARES-RUBIO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Mexican Caribbean ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Del Rio ◽  
Important System ◽  
Morphological And Molecular Characterization

The Veracruz Reef System National Park (PNSAV) is located in the central region of Veracruz, off the coast of the municipalities of Veracruz, Boca del Río and Antón Lizardo. It is a complex and important system within the Gulf of Mexico, since it has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, a Ramsar wetland and an essential component of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico Reef Corridor. Lobophora contains 28 currently recognized species and has a pantropical distribution that includes the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans in both hemispheres. Recently, some species have been identified from Western Atlantic Ocean, mainly in the Caribbean Sea. However, very little is known about Lobophora species diversity on the Mexican coast. In this study, morphological and molecular analyses (MAAT) using cytochrome c oxidase 3 (COX3) sequences as a barcode gene were used to study Lobophora spp. The results indicate that there are two species on the Mexican coasts, Lobophora declerckii and L. variegata. Lobophora declerckii represents a new record for the southwest of the Gulf of Mexico and, the presence of L. variegata was confirmed for the Mexican Caribbean.

scholarly journals Estimating the number of lionfish (Pterois volitans) that colonized the Atlantic Ocean

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason D Selwyn ◽  
John E Johnson ◽  
Alan M Downey-Wall ◽  
Adam M Bynum ◽  
Rebecca M Hamner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Control Region ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Aquarium Trade ◽  
Allee Effects ◽  
Pterois Volitans ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Introduction Pathway ◽  
The Caribbean

The invasion of the western Atlantic Ocean by the Indo-Pacific red lionfish (Pterois volitans) has had devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Estimating the number of colonizing lionfish can be useful in identifying the introduction pathway and can inform policy decisions aimed at preventing similar invasions. It is well-established that at least ten lionfish were initially introduced. However, that estimate has not faced statistical scrutiny and is based solely on the number of haplotypes in the maternally-inherited mitochondrial control region observed in samples from the western Atlantic Ocean. To rigorously estimate the number of lionfish introduced, we used a forward-time, Wright-Fisher, population genetic model of the mitochondrial control region in concert with a demographic life-history model to simulate the invasion. The colonization of the western North Atlantic and subsequent spread to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico were modeled as single introductions of 1-800 females, which should conservatively estimate the most likely number of colonizing lionfish relative to a model with multiple introductions. Assuming a balanced sex ratio and no Allee effects, the simulations indicate that the Atlantic population was most likely founded by 118 (54-514, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean by 84 (22-328, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico by at least 114 (no upper bound on 95% HPD) lionfish from the Caribbean. Considering the additional possibilities that (1) multiple Indo-Pacific populations colonized the Atlantic and (2) Allee effects (e.g. 50% reduction in fecundity) plagued the colonists, the most likely number of lionfish increased to 180 (88-416, 95% HPD). These results, in combination with all other published data, support the hypothesis that lionfish were introduced to the Atlantic via the aquarium trade, rather than shipping. The most parsimonious introduction pathway is a single release of lionfish in one location, but it seems likely that a combination of smaller and larger releases from a variety of aquarium trade stakeholders occurred near Miami, Florida. Efforts to prevent future invasions via the aquarium trade should focus on the education of stakeholders and the prohibition of release, with adequate rewards for compliance and penalties for violations.

scholarly journals Estimating the number of lionfish (Pterois volitans) that colonized the Atlantic Ocean

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason D Selwyn ◽  
John E Johnson ◽  
Alan M Downey-Wall ◽  
Adam M Bynum ◽  
Rebecca M Hamner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Ocean ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Control Region ◽  
Mitochondrial Control Region ◽  
Aquarium Trade ◽  
Allee Effects ◽  
Pterois Volitans ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Introduction Pathway ◽  
The Caribbean

The invasion of the western Atlantic Ocean by the Indo-Pacific red lionfish (Pterois volitans) has had devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Estimating the number of colonizing lionfish can be useful in identifying the introduction pathway and can inform policy decisions aimed at preventing similar invasions. It is well-established that at least ten lionfish were initially introduced. However, that estimate has not faced statistical scrutiny and is based solely on the number of haplotypes in the maternally-inherited mitochondrial control region observed in samples from the western Atlantic Ocean. To rigorously estimate the number of lionfish introduced, we used a forward-time, Wright-Fisher, population genetic model of the mitochondrial control region in concert with a demographic life-history model to simulate the invasion. The colonization of the western North Atlantic and subsequent spread to the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico were modeled as single introductions of 1-800 females, which should conservatively estimate the most likely number of colonizing lionfish relative to a model with multiple introductions. Assuming a balanced sex ratio and no Allee effects, the simulations indicate that the Atlantic population was most likely founded by 118 (54-514, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean by 84 (22-328, 95% HPD) lionfish from the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico by at least 114 (no upper bound on 95% HPD) lionfish from the Caribbean. Considering the additional possibilities that (1) multiple Indo-Pacific populations colonized the Atlantic and (2) Allee effects (e.g. 50% reduction in fecundity) plagued the colonists, the most likely number of lionfish increased to 180 (88-416, 95% HPD). These results, in combination with all other published data, support the hypothesis that lionfish were introduced to the Atlantic via the aquarium trade, rather than shipping. The most parsimonious introduction pathway is a single release of lionfish in one location, but it seems likely that a combination of smaller and larger releases from a variety of aquarium trade stakeholders occurred near Miami, Florida. Efforts to prevent future invasions via the aquarium trade should focus on the education of stakeholders and the prohibition of release, with adequate rewards for compliance and penalties for violations.

Revision of the western Atlantic members of the Alpheus armillatus H. Milne Edwards, 1837 species complex (Decapoda, Alpheidae), with description of seven new species

Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3386 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
ARTHUR ANKER
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Species Complex ◽  
Close Relative ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
New Localities ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Colour Patterns ◽  
Snapping Shrimps ◽  
Southern Florida ◽  
Distinguishing Features

The western Atlantic members of the Alpheus armillatus H. Milne Edwards, 1837 species complex, which includes someof the largest and most common intertidal snapping shrimps, are revised based on extensive fresh material collected in theCaribbean Sea, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, as well as some older museum material. Alpheus armillatus (sensu H.Milne Edwards 1837 and Coutière 1899) is redescribed based primarily on the Caribbean material and a neotype fromAruba is designated. Alpheus lancirostris Rankin, 1900 and A. verrilli (Schmitt, 1924) are resurrected from the synonymyof A. armillatus and rediagnosed. Alpheus angulosus McClure, 2002 is redefined and reported from several new localities;its presence in Brazil is confirmed. Seven species are described as new: A. amarillo sp. nov. (Caribbean, southern Florida,Gulf of Mexico), A. punctatus sp. nov. (Caribbean, southern Florida), A. tampensis sp. nov. (western Florida), A. carlaesp. nov. (Caribbean, Florida, Brazil), A. mathewsae sp. nov. (Caribbean, Florida), A. brasileiro sp. nov. (Brazil), and A.nuno sp. nov. (Mexico). In addition, A. viridari (Armstrong, 1949), a close relative and presumed sister lineage of the A.armillatus complex, is rediagnosed and its distinguishing features are highlighted. All species are abundantly illustrated,including variation of some morphological features and colour patterns. A character table and a key to the western Atlantic species of the A. armillatus complex are provided.

Lucinid bivalves of Guadeloupe: diversity and systematics in the context of the tropical Western Atlantic (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Lucinidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4196 (3) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
OHN D. TAYLOR ◽  
EMILY A. GLOVER
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Hydrocarbon Seeps ◽  
Southern Caribbean ◽  
Species Pairs ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
St Helena

Intensive sampling of molluscs from the intertidal to depths of 800 m around the islands of Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles (KARUBENTHOS 2012, 2015) recovered 25 species of Lucinidae. All the Guadeloupe species are described and illustrated including details of larval shells and the taxonomy revised within the context of the wider western Atlantic fauna and recent classifications. Concurrent molecular analysis has helped separate frequently confounded species. ‘Myrtea’ pristiphora is placed in the Leucosphaerine genus Myrtina previously known from the Indo-West Pacific. A second western Atlantic species of Callucina, C. pauperatus previously known from the Pliocene of Jamaica is recognised from the southern Caribbean and off Brazil. The deeper water species ‘Myrteopis’ lens is placed in Afrolucina previously known from the eastern Atlantic. Lucinids commonly identified as Ctena orbiculata are shown to belong to two distinct species, C. orbiculata in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida and C. imbricatula in the Caribbean. Epicodakia is recognised for the first time in the western Atlantic with E. pectinata widely distributed across the region and E. filiata recorded from deeper water. Three species of Lucina are recognised, Lucina pensylvanica in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida and the similar Lucina roquesana from the Caribbean and Bahamas while the smaller L. aurantia has a wide distribution from central America to the Bahamas. A new species of Parvilucina, P. latens is described; this is similar to P. pectinella but has an internal ligament. The long problematic species ‘Codakia’ cubana is assigned to Ferrocina. A new genus, Guyanella is introduced for Parvilucina clenchi the smallest known lucinid. A critical reassessment of the lucinid fauna of the western Atlantic Ocean identifies 46 species for the region with 33 of these living at depths less than 200 m. Deeper-water habitats have been much less investigated except at sites of hydrocarbon seeps. Some species are widespread throught the whole region but others have more restricted ranges. Notable are species pairs, for example of Ctena, Lucina, Lucinisca and Parvilucina that are either largely Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico/Floridian in distribution. Although extralimital, two problematic species from the mid-south Atlantic island of St Helena are refigured and placed in Cavilinga. 

scholarly journals Geolocators reveal migration routes, stopover sites, and nonbreeding dispersion in a population of Cerulean Warblers

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Clayton D Delancey ◽  
Kamal Islam ◽  
Gunnar R Kramer ◽  
Garrett J MacDonald ◽  
Alexander R Sharp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Spring Migration ◽  
Autumn Migration ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Neotropical Migrant ◽  
Wood Warblers ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Declining Species ◽  
Cerulean Warblers

AbstractCerulean Warblers (Setophaga cerulea) are among the fastest declining Nearctic-Neotropical migrant wood-warblers (Parulidae) in North America. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, little is known about their non-breeding distribution. In June 2016-2018, we deployed geolocators (n = 30) on adult male Cerulean Warblers in Indiana, USA, to track annual movements of individuals. Recovered geolocators (n = 4) showed that Cerulean Warblers occurred broadly throughout northern South America. Autumn migration lasted 44-71 days (n = 4), whereas spring migration lasted 37-41 days (n = 3). The average migration distance was 5268 km. During autumn migration, Cerulean Warblers made 1-4 stopovers (i.e., ≥2 days; n = 4) and 1-2 stopovers during spring migration (n = 3). When crossing the Gulf of Mexico during autumn migration, two birds stopped over after crossing, but not beforehand. Two others navigated through the Caribbean rather than crossing the Gulf of Mexico. During spring migration, one individual stopped after crossing, one individual stopped before crossing, and one individual stopped before and after crossing the Gulf of Mexico. No birds migrated through the Caribbean Islands during spring migration. These results represent novel information describing annual movements of individual Cerulean Warblers and will inform conservation efforts for this declining species.

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