scholarly journals Microcanuella bisetosa gen. n., sp. n., a new taxon of Canuellidae (Crustacea, Copepoda) from the Costa Rican Pacific coast, with remarks on Galapacanuella beckeri

1994 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Mielke
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Pacific Coast ◽  
Costa Rican ◽  
New Taxon ◽  
Beach Slope ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Coarse Sediments ◽  
Gulf Of Nicoya

A new canuellid, Microcanuella bisetosa gen. n., sp. n., was collected on the Pacific coast (Gulf of Nicoya) of Costa Rica. Though the male is still unknown, a new genus is established, mainly because of the reduced armature of P1, P4, and P5. The small-sized M. bisetosa sp. n. is a mesopsammic species, inhabiting the interstices of coarse sediments of a beach slope.

scholarly journals Soft corals (Cnidaria, Alcyonacea) from the Gulf of Nicoya estuary, Pacific of Costa Rica: a checklist

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. e3921
Author(s):  
José A. Vargas ◽  
Odalisca Breedy
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Pacific Coast ◽  
Eastern Coast ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Soft Corals ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Gulf Of Nicoya

Introduction: The Gulf of Nicoya is the most important estuary on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Information on the presence of soft corals is scattered in the literature and in museum collections. Objective: To provide a list of soft corals reported for the estuary. Methods: We compiled the literature (2002-2020) and of the specimens deposited at the Museum of Zoology, University of Costa Rica. Results: Thirty species have been reported for the estuary (Clavulariidae, Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae). Most were collected on the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, and several species were described based on estuary specimens. Conclusion: The 30 species represent 79 % of those reported for Costa Rica. Despite this relatively high percentage, the sampling effort has been modest and other sites within the estuary should be explored.

scholarly journals Flatfish (Pleuronectiformes) species richness and depth distribution in the Gulf of Nicoya, Golfo Dulce, and two adjacent areas on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Vargas ◽  
Ana Rosa Ramírez ◽  
Berny Marín ◽  
Myrna López ◽  
Matthias Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Pacific Coast ◽  
Depth Distribution ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
Low Oxygen ◽  
Good Opportunity ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Region Data ◽  
Gulf Of Nicoya

Abstract: Flatfish diversity and depth distribution in the Gulf of Nicoya, Golfo Dulce, and two adjacent areas on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Introduction. Information on flatfish diversity and depth distribution is scarce for the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Historical data is important to evaluate changes in ecosystems due to local, regional and global stressors. Objective. To provide information on the presence, depth distribution and lengths of flatfish species collected by trawl nets. Methods. Fish studies were conducted by trawling at four sites along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica by the survey vessels Skimmer (1979-1989), Nishin Maru (1987-1988) and Victor Hensen (1993-1994). The published lists of species were consulted, museum specimens were accessed, and a list of flatfishes assembled. Results. A total of 36 species were found at the four sites over a depth range of 8 to 359 m. The family Paralichthyidae included 13 species followed by the Cynoglossidae with 12 species. Achiridae had six and Bothidae had five. The most speciose genus was Symphurus with 12 species. Thirty-five species were collected at depths from 10 to 235 m in the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce. The Gulf of Nicoya estuary yielded 27 species during the Skimmer expedition and over a depth range of 8 to 60 m, while 31 species were found there during the V. Hensen survey at depths from 10 to 228 m. The V. Hensen survey in Golfo Dulce (20 to 235 m) captured 19 species, and 17 in Coronado Bay (21 to 187 m). Off the Nicoya Peninsula (56 to 359 m) 13 species were collected by the Nishin Maru shrimp trawler. A total of 21 species (58 %) were found at depths greater than 100 m and were probably exposed the low oxygen concentrations characteristic of hypoxia. During the V. Hensen survey Symphurus chabanaudi and S. elongatus were captured more frequently in the Gulf of Nicoya, while S. leei was so in Golfo Dulce. Cluster analyses based on presence-absence data for the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce revealed low station similarity indicating habitat partitioning among the species. The size (Total length) of 33 species measured from both the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo Dulce ranged from 8 cm (Syacium cf longidorsale, Trinectes xanthurus) to 50 cm (S. ovale). Only 12 species were found with lenghts over 20 cm. Of the species collected, A. mazatlanus (30 cm) and S. ovale (50) appear to be length records for the region. Data on flatfish landings by the semi-industrial fishing fleet for the period 2000-2016 indicates that this group represents less than 1% of the total landings (shrimp and bycatch), with a minimum of 365 kg in 2001 and a maximum of 13.414 kg in 2013. Conclusions. The diversity of the flatfish fauna of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica appears relatively high but comparable to that found in other tropical regions. The number of trawling ships has declined significantly on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica after 2014. This reduced fishing impact on the populations provides a good opportunity for updating the trophic models available for both the Gulf of Nicoya and Golfo and their use as tools for better management of the ecosystems.

New records of Swiftia (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Octocorallia) from off the Pacific Costa Rican margin, including a new species from methane seeps

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4671 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
ODALISCA BREEDY ◽  
GREG W. ROUSE ◽  
APRIL STABBINS ◽  
JORGE CORTÉS ◽  
ERIK E. CORDES
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Costa Rica ◽  
First Record ◽  
Costa Rican ◽  
New Taxon ◽  
Methane Seeps ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Pacific Margin ◽  
A New Species

Exploration of the deep sea off the Pacific margin of Costa Rica has resulted in the discovery of a number of new species and reports for the region. Here, we report on the occurrence of the octocoral genus Swiftia, and describe a new species collected by the Alvin submersible off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The new species has been observed at around 1000 m depth, growing on authigenic carbonates near methane seeps. Swiftia sahlingi sp. nov. is characterised by having bright red colonies that are with limited branching, with slightly raised polyp-mounds, thin coenenchyme mainly composed of long warty spindles, and conspicuous plates. A molecular phylogenetic analysis supports the differences between this new taxon and the closest Swiftia species. The new species represents the first record of the genus from Costa Rica and in fact for the Eastern Tropical Pacific. 

scholarly journals Brachiopods, sipunculans, enteropneusts, and metals from two estuarine tidal flats, Pacific, Costa Rica

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Antonio Vargas Zamora
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Pacific Coast ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Filter Feeder ◽  
Sand Flat ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Mud Flat ◽  
Gulf Of Nicoya ◽  
The Impact

Abstract: The objectives of this report are to make accessible data on the abundances (1984-1987, 49dates) of sipunculans, brachiopods and hemichordates at a sand-mud flat, and on trace metals (1996,2000) and abundances (2015, 3 dates) of sipunculans and brachiopods at a sand flat in the upper Gulf ofNicoya estuary (10oN-85oW), Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Core (17.7 cm2) samples were collected at thesand-mud flat, and quadrats (0.2 m2) at the sand flat. Trace metal (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cd, Zn, and Pb)analyses were performed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) in tissues of the infaunal depositfeeder sipunculan Sipunculus nudus (non-depurated vs depurated) and in tissues and shells of theinfaunal filter-feeder brachiopod, Glottidia audebarti. The flats contrast in their sand (65% vs 90%) andsilt+clay (31.5% vs 5.6%) contents. At the sand-mud flat the brachiopods were represented by 129individuals, the sipunculans by 13, and the hemichordates by 185. The total area sampled by cores was1.83 m2. Estimated densities for the dates when the maximum number of each group was found, were: 29,5.7, and 40 ind./m2, respectively. Abundances were higher during the rainy season of 1984. Trace metalconcentrations in S. nudus collected at the sand flat decreased for all metals (except Cd) when medianvalues of non-depurated vs depurated individuals were compared. Maximum concentrations in non-depurated specimens, were: Fe (22.5 mg/g. dw) > Mn (234.6 µg/g. dw) > Zn (144.0 µg/g. dw) > Cu(52.7µg/g. dw) > Ni (15.5 µg/g. dw) > Cr (10.8 µg/g. dw) > Pb (9.3 µg/g. dw) > Cd (1.64 µg/g. dw).Maximum concentrations in non-depurated G. audebarti, were: Fe (21.6 mg/g. dw-soft parts) > Mn (Nodata) > Zn (123.4 µg/g. dw- soft parts) > Cu (31.4 µg/g. dw-pedicles) > Ni (No data) > Pb (21.0 µg/g.dw-shells) > Cd (5.2 µg/g. dw-soft parts) > Cr (4.7 µg/g. dw-shells). Maximum concentrations insediments were: Fe (60.3 mg/g. dw) > Mn (549.3 µg/g. dw) > Zn (83.1 µg/g. dw) > Cu (36.2 µg/g. dw)> Cr (31.5 µg/g. dw) > Pb (21.1 µg/g. dw) > Ni (20.6 µg/g. dw) > Cd (1.1 µg/g. dw).Theseconcentrations were expected for a non-industrialized estuary like the Gulf of Nicoya. At the sand flat, atotal of 76 individuals of G. audebarti, 112 of G. albida, and 366 of S. nudus were collected in 2015, in atotal sampled area of 10.6 m2. Estimated mean densities for the three dates were: 7.1, 10.5, and 31 ind./m2, for G. audebarti, G. albida, and S. nudus, respectively. The spatial distribution of the three specieswas aggregated and the maximum numbers found in a quadrat (0.2 m2) were 11, 18 and 20, respectively.The size range of G. audebarti was from 9.0 mm to 38.0 mm, and from from 6.0 mm to 29.0 mm for G.albida. The weight range of S. nudus was from 0.10 g to 2.55 g. These ranges are within those found forthese species elsewhere. Densities of G. audebarti and G. albida were relatively low, while those of S.nudus were relatively high when compared with data reported in the literature. No acorn worms werefound in 2015. G. audebarti had a relatively stable abundance, while G. albida decresed at the end of therainy season of 2015. The abundance of S. nudus increased towards the end of the rainy season andheavier (more than 1.25 g) specimens were also collected at this time. A strong ENSO was fullydeveloped in 2015 leading to above normal average temperatures and less rainfall in the Pacific coast ofCosta Rica, but the impact of this warming event on the fauna is unknown.

scholarly journals Seagrasses of Costa Rica: from the mighty Caribbean to the dynamic meadows of the Eastern Tropical Pacific

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (1-1) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jimena Samper-Villarreal ◽  
Brigitta I. Van Tussenbroek ◽  
Jorge Cortés
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Pacific Coast ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Thalassia Testudinum ◽  
Costa Rican ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Seagrass Meadows ◽  
Syringodium Filiforme ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The Caribbean

Seagrass meadows are declining worldwide, mostly attributed to anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding the dynamics of these meadows is urgent in order to establish adequate management and conservation strategies. Here, we analyzed the current knowledge on the seagrass meadows in the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica, Central America. Current knowledge was based on literature searches, herbarium collections, informal interviews, and personal observations. We report a total of five genera and seven species for Costa Rica: Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme, Halophila decipiens, Halophila baillonis, Halodule wrightii, Halodule beaudettei, and Ruppia maritima. Six species are reported for the Caribbean, and four species for the Pacific. Thalassia testudinum, S. filiforme, and H. decipiens have only been reported for the Caribbean. Halodule beaudettei has only been reported for the Pacific coast. Halophila baillonis, H. wrightii and R. maritima have been reported for both coasts. Seagrasses were found at a total of 31 locations in Costa Rica, most from the Pacific coast; 16 of which are reported here for the first time. Seagrass meadows from both coasts are vastly different. Along the Caribbean coast, meadows are often dominated by the robust T. testudinum, they are extensive and stable, persisting for decades. In contrast, the meadows along the Pacific coast are more dynamic and are dominated by pioneer and smaller ephemeral species, such as H. baillonis and H. beaudettei. The number of studies on Costa Rican seagrasses is scarce but has been increasing over time, and mostly concern taxonomic reports and basic descriptions of the dynamics of T. testudinum meadows from the Caribbean. Research, conservation and management efforts on Costa Rican seagrass meadows would benefit from continued monitoring and research on associated fauna and flora, incorporating ecosystem resilience and services.

scholarly journals Distribution extension of Escherbothrium molinae Berman and Brooks, 1994 (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea: Triloculariidae) in Urotrygon sp. from the Pacific Coast of Mexico

Check List ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1124
Author(s):  
Francisco Zaragoza-Tapia ◽  
Scott Monks ◽  
Griselda Pulido-Flores ◽  
Juan Violante-González
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Pacific Coast ◽  
Original Description ◽  
First Report ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Gulf Of Nicoya

Cestodes collected from the spiral valves of the stingray Urotrygon sp. from the Pacific coast of Mexico were identified as Escherbothrium molinae Berman and Brooks, 1994. The first report of the species was from the Gulf of Nicoya and the Guanacaste coast, Costa Rica; this work represents the second report of the species since the original description and extends its distribution north to Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico.

First study of the Polycladida (Rhabditophora, Platyhelminthes) from the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4964 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-381
Author(s):  
PATRICIA SOUTULLO ◽  
DANIEL CUADRADO ◽  
CAROLINA NOREÑA
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Intertidal Zone ◽  
Pacific Coast ◽  
New Records ◽  
Rocky Intertidal ◽  
Animal Kingdom ◽  
Invertebrate Diversity ◽  
Marine Park ◽  
Rocky Intertidal Zone ◽  
The Pacific

In the present work was carried out in the intertidal zone of Las Baulas de Guanacaste National Marine Park (PNMB) located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.                The main objective was to contribute to knowledge about the invertebrate diversity of the park, one of the richest bioregions on the planet, about which little is known. This study assesses the Order Polycladida Lang, 1884, a cornerstone of this ecosystem and one of the most cosmopolitan and plastic invertebrate taxa in the animal kingdom.                In total, 57 individuals were collected in the rocky intertidal zone of Carbón and Langosta beaches. Nine different species were identified, of which four are new for Costa Rica: Semonia bauliensis n. sp.; Cryptostylochus sesei n. sp.; Paraplanocera angeli n. sp., Prostheceraeus fitae n. sp.; and five new records: Paraplanocera oligoglena (Schmarda, 1859); Marcusia ernesti Hyman, 1953; Enchiridium magec Cuadrado, Moro & Noreña, 2017; Pseudobiceros bajae (Hyman, 1953); and the genus Boninia spp. 

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