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8 a Euapta godeffroyi (Semper, 1868), central Gulf of California. b Holothuria arenicola Semper, 1868, Jalisco, Mexican Pacific. c Labidodemas cf. macullochi (Deichmann, 1958), Jalisco, Mexican Pacific. d Holothuria kefersteini Selenka, 1867, south of Gulf of California. e Pentamera chierchia (Ludwig, 1887), Guerrero, Mexican Pacific. f Holothuria cf. inhabilis Selenka, 1867, central Gulf of California. Images a by Offer Keter, b and c by Francisco Solis, d by Luis Carballo, e by Valeria Mas and f by Carlos Sanchez-Ortiz
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Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Knowledge of echinoderm diversity in Mexico started in the XIX Century with Louis Agassiz in 1841. Currently, 643 species of echinoderms are known from Mexico, with Class Ophiuroidea the richest (197 species); Class Asteroidea follows with 185 species, then Class Echinoidea with 119 spec...
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This chapter presents a historical review of the study on living and fossil species of the Phylum Echinodermata of Venezuela; most of the research has been carried out in the middle-western and eastern coasts of the country. There is currently a total of 234 species of echinoderms known from Venezuelan waters, with 97.87 % of them from the Caribbea...
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... A total of 722 species of echinoderms has been reported from the ETP, encompassing 214 ophiuroids, 195 asteroids, 174 holothuroids, 118 echinoids, and 21 crinoids ( Solís-Marín et al. 2013a). Of these, only 93 (13 %) inhabit coral reef environments (sensu Solís-Marín et al. 2013a) ( Fig. 7.7). ...
... These numbers will likely increase with further collections and assessments. The groups with the highest numbers of reef species are the ophiuroids and holothurians, with 31 and 30 species, respectively (Solís Marín et al. 2013a). Additionally, 16 species of echinoids and asteroids are known from reefs in the region ( Solís-Marín et al. 2013a). ...
... The groups with the highest numbers of reef species are the ophiuroids and holothurians, with 31 and 30 species, respectively (Solís Marín et al. 2013a). Additionally, 16 species of echinoids and asteroids are known from reefs in the region ( Solís-Marín et al. 2013a). There are no reports of crinoids inhabiting coral reefs in the ETP. ...
The eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) is an isolated oceanic region exposed to extreme oceanographic conditions, including low salinity, low pH, high temperatures during El Niño, and low temperatures during La Niña and seasonal upwelling. The coral reefs in this region have a relatively limited suite of species compared to other coral reef areas of the world, but much like more diverse reefs the species present interact in complex ways. Here we synthezise the knowledge of taxonomic groups of reef organisms from prokaryotes to vertebrates, including algae, sponges, cnidarians, annelids and other worms, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms and fishes. We also present summaries on the biodiversity of associated functional groups and habitats, including (a) reef zooplankton and cryptic fauna, and (b) soft benthic environments, rhodolith beds and mesophotic environments. Several factors that structure the biodiversity of ETP coral reefs are explored, including biological, physical and chemical controls. ETP coral reefs are relatively simple systems that can be used as models for studying biodiversity and interactions among species. We conclude this review by highlighting pressing research needs, from very basic inventories to more sophisticated studies of cryptic assemblages, and to investigations on the impacts of natural and anthropogenic effects on ETP coral reef biodiversity.
... Several sampling surveys of the echinoderm fauna of this region have been conducted in the last decade (Bravo-Tzompantzi et al., 1999; Laguarda- Figueras et al., 2001, 2002, 2004), notably increasing the knowledge of Mexican echinoderms. Currently, the number of species of sea cucumbers recognized for this region is 33 (Laguarda-Figueras et al., 2005; Solís-Marín et al., 2013). Nevertheless, this project focused mainly on the reef, rocky shores, and sandy bottoms of the reef in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo. ...
One specimen of Euthyonidiella destichada (Deichmann, 1930) was collected in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico. This species was previously recorded from Florida, the eastern Gulf of México, Cuba, Belize, Panama, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Martinique. This is the first record of this species in Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean; new illustrations of different ossicles are provided.
The sea urchin, Arbacia stellata is part of a new biofood landscape for the global marine non-food organisms to be used as nutraceuticals. A 98-day feeding trial (a simple completely randomized experimental design) was performed using specimens of A. stellata (n= 88; 29.3 ± 0.2 mm and 14.5 ± 0.3 g mean initial test diameter and weight, respectively) to evaluate the efficacy of three isoproteic diets containing crustacean and vegetable protein sources in different combinations, for developing a low-cost dry formulated diet for promoting their growth (in test diameter and weight), gonadal yield and survival. Diet 1 (shrimp, Penaeus vannamei), Diet 2 (Sacha Inchi, Plukenetia volubilis) and Diet 3 (mixed diet) were prepared. Six individuals per treatment were used. They were fed 1% in relation to the average body weight per container (0.86-0.97 g), every 48 hours under ad libitum condition. Diets 2 and 3 produced a significantly better performance for growth in test diameter 31.58 ± 0.21 mm, SGR= 0.0066 ± 0.0001 mm mo-1 and 31.18 ± 0.35 mm, SGR= 0.0064 ± 0.0001 mm mo-1, respectively. Similar results of growth in weight were obtained with diets 2 and 3, 19.13 ± 0.52 g, SGR= 0.0413 ± 0.0019 g mo-1 and 19.08 ± 0.48 g, SGR= 0.0377 ± 0.0017 g mo-1, respectively. Feed conversion ratio and gonadal index were better with diets 2 and 3. In general, the lowest performance was obtained with diet 1. Survival was greater than 54% and the starved group died on day 42. This study indicates that plant-based diets and the combination of various protein sources in the diets produced remarkable biological responses to A. stellata growth.
Pentamera fonsecae n. sp. is described from seven specimens as a new species of Thyonidae from the Pacific coast of
Costa Rica. It is distinguished from its congeners by having tables with ladder-shaped spires in the body wall, and tube
feet with curved support tables of variable height and tables as those found in the body wall slightly smaller than those
from the body wall. This species is distributed in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, from 28.5 to 40 m on muddy bottoms.
The effects of increasing soya bean lecithin (SL) levels (0%, 2% and 4% of diet dry matter, DM) at two fish oil (FO) levels (0% and 3% DM) on gonad index, colour and biochemical composition of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus were evaluated using a 3 × 2 factorial design with six iso‐nitrogenous formulated diets. All diets generated an increase in gonad index of more than 9%. Dietary FO had a positive effect on diet digestibility and accumulation of proteins in the gonad. Soy lecithin did not affect gonad composition, but improved its coloration, decreased gonad feed conversion ratio and increased gonad protein efficiency. There was a clear effect of diets on sea urchins gonad protein, ash and fatty acid content, in particular, decreasing the n‐3/n‐6 ratio associated with a decrease in 20:5n ‐3 when SL levels increased. Nevertheless, 22:6n ‐3 levels increased by week 12 in all treatments, and diets with SL increased the content of 20:4n ‐6 in gonads. A decrease in bitter‐tasting amino acids such as histidine, cysteine, valine and methionine was observed in all treatments with a concomitant increase in isoleucine levels. We recommend using a diet containing 3% of FO and 2% of SL to increase food consumption, diet digestibility, improving marketable gonad colour and an increasing gonad n‐6 fatty acids and C22:6n ‐3. In addition, the present study paves the way for future research in the use of FO and SL as an additive in diets for S. purpuratus towards the goal of increasing gonad size and nutritional quality.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamic of cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, and iron among lower trophic levels, sea urchins and macroalgae. Diets and isotopic values were used in combination to explore trophic positions and potential transference of metals from primary producers to consumers. Concentrations of trace elements were measured in two species of sea urchin (Tripneustes depressus and Eucidaris thouarsii) and nine macroalgae that are usually used as food in four Sargassum beds, one of which is close to a phosphorite mine. Specimens were collected when Sargassum fronds were at their greatest (winter) and lowest (summer) abundance. Highest concentrations of Cd, and Cu in both urchin species were recorded in winter at the site near the phosphorite mine. Concentrations of Pb in T. depressus were below the detectable limit, whereas E. thouarsii, which in addition to a high concentration of Pb, had high amounts of Cu and Zn. Gut content analysis, indicates that the diet of both sea urchins at the four sites and two collection dates is mainly macroalgae. The δ¹⁵N isotopic values in sea urchins in a typical Sargassum bed were in good agreement with a diet dominated by macroalgae, with T. depressus having herbivorous habits and E. thouarsii having omnivorous habits in this environment. We found macroalgae important in the dynamics of metals in food webs, potentially contributing to transferring Cd, Cu, and Zn to key invertebrate species, such as sea urchins, indicating connectivity of food webs and ecological structuring of marine environments.
A greater understanding of dietary protein and carbohydrate levels with regard to gonad production in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus would increase our nutritional knowledge of this sea urchin and guide the development of formulated diets for such aquaculture target species. A total of 255 purple sea urchins were captured from Ensenada Bay, Mexico, and maintained in 200-L tanks for 9 weeks. Formulated diets that contained 30%, 26%, 23%, 20% and 17% of protein and 42%, 46%, 50%, 54% and 58% carbohydrates were offered ad libitum. Survival was affected by diets; urchins that were fed high-protein–low-carbohydrate diet experienced decreased survival. No significant differences were found in gonad index, but gonad production efficiency was lower in urchins that were fed a medium-low-protein–medium-high-carbohydrate diet. Urchins that were fed high carbohydrate levels utilized protein more efficiently and showed better digestibility of the diet and protein. These data suggest that all of our diets support gonad growth, but in terms of consumption, a diet that contains protein levels of 17% and 23% with carbohydrate levels of 50% and 58% are beneficial for S. purpuratus.
Review of the Phyllophoridae family (Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida) in Mexican waters. 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 taxo-nomic 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.
Taxonomy and ecologic biogeography of the irregular Echinoids (Echinoidea: Irregularia) from Mexico. Mexico owns 643 species of echinoderms, almost 10% of the known echinoderm species in the planet. Its geographic location-between the oceanic influences of the Western Central Atlantic and the Eastern Central Pacific-largely explains its enormous biological and ecological diversity. Research on echinoderms in Mexico began in the late nineteenth century; however, there are no reviews on its irregular echinoids. This work reviews the taxonomic and geographic information of irregular echinoids from Mexico, housed in four collections: 1) Colección Nacional and 4) Invertebrate Zoology, Peabody Museum, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Specimens were reidentified and classified; geographic distribution data were subjected to a parsimony analysis of endemisms (PAE) using the ecological regionalization of North America proposed by Wilkinson et al. (2010). A total of six orders, 17 families, 35 genera and 68 species are reported, distributed in 34 ecoregions, 11 from the Atlantic coast and 23 from the Pacific coast. Nine biogeographic regions were delimited, four in the Atlantic coast and five in the Pacific coast. The biogeographic analysis suggests that the oceanic currents and sediments are the environmental factors that determine the distribution of irregular echinoids in the Mexican Atlantic coast; on the other hand, oceanic currents and depth are the environmental factors that determine the distribution of irregular echinoids in the Mexican Pacific coast. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 59-75. Epub 2015 June 01.
The geographic distribution of Ophioblenna antillensis Lütken, 1859 is extended inside the Gulf of Mexico. This species is otherwise known in the Caribbean region as the “slimy snake of the Antilles”, and is recognizable by soft skin covering the entire body, arms 5 times the disc diameter with big dorsal arm plates, and 7 completely naked, pointed and thin arm spines.
