Abstract: The fish community inhabiting mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) at Corales de Profundidad National Natural Park (CPNNP), Colombian Caribbean Sea was described. Most of the species (89%) are common in shallow reef environments of an adjacent Marine Protected Area. Halichoeres maculipinna, Prognathodes aculeatus, Serranus luciopercanus and Lactophrys trigonus were recorded for the first time at CPNNP. The healthy and highly resilient characteristics of MCE is confirmed with the taxonomic composition of the found fishes. The information presented in this study provides data and techniques that help to complement the baseline of fish’s assemblages associated with mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Colombian Caribbean Sea.

ABSTRACT Reef health can be assessed from the fish biomass (roving herbivorous and predatory commercial species). In this preliminary note, the biomass of fish indicators of a healthy reef of Blake Reef, Veracruz, is estimated and compared with that recorded in other systems in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The size and abundance of fish observed in Blake Reef determine a remarkable biomass that exceeds the estimates of other reefs. The health of this reef makes it an important reservoir of regional diversity.

Abstract This work documents the first record of Anthias noeli Anderson & Baldwin, 2000 in Peru. Between 2016 and 2019, fifteen specimens were captured from the littoral of the Tumbes Department, located in the northernmost of Peru. Fresh photographs were taken of the specimens and meristic and morphometric analyses were conducted for species identification. Additionally, muscle tissue was extracted from five individuals to determine COI gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the specimens' identity as A. noeli, and the sequences were deposited in the public database BOLD Systems, representing the first deposited sequences for this species. This record expands the southern distribution of A. noeli.

Resumen En este trabajo se registra a Anthias noeli Anderson & Baldwin, 2000 por primera vez en el Perú. Entre el 2016 y 2019, se capturaron 15 ejemplares en el litoral del departamento de Tumbes, en el extremo norte del Perú. Los ejemplares fueron fotografiados en fresco, se realizaron los análisis merísticos y morfométricos para su identificación. Además, de cinco individuos se obtuvieron tejido muscular para determinar las secuencias del gen COI. Los análisis filogenéticos confirmaron su identificación como A. noeli. Las secuencias fueron depositadas en la base de datos públicos BOLD Systems, siendo las primeras secuencias depositadas de esta especie. Con este registro se amplía la distribución sur de A. noeli.

Resumen. Con base en observaciones in situ, las especies Ptereleotris calliura (familia Gobiidae) y Liopropoma rubre (familia Serranidae) se agregan al inventario taxonómico de peces del Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, Veracruz, México. Mientras que P. calliura se encontró en el sustrato arenoso de una laguna arrecifal, L. rubre se encontró en un talud arrecifal. Con el reporte de estas 2 especies, la lista de peces de arrecife en el Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano se amplía a 479 especies. Tomando en cuenta estos resultados, predecimos que esfuerzos de estudio adicionales (más allá de los transectos visuales) revelarán más especies de peces no registradas previamente en el Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano.

Abstract. Based on several in situ observations, the species Ptereleotris calliura (family Gobiidae) and Liopropoma rubre (family Serranidae) are added to the taxonomic fish inventory of the Veracruz Reef System, Veracruz, Mexico. While P. calliura was found on sandy substratum in a coral reef lagoon, L. rubre was detected on a reef slope. With the addition of these 2 species, the checklist of reef fishes in the Veracruz Reef System is expanded to 479 species. Given these findings, we predict that additional survey efforts (beyond visual transects) will reveal more previously unrecorded species of cryptic fishes in the Veracruz reef system.

Resumo As ilhas costeiras do Grande Rio, ao sul das cidades do Rio de Janeiro e Maricá, têm sofrido múltiplos impactos antrópicos. Apesar destes problemas, esses sistemas insulares abrigam uma grande diversidade de espécies de peixes. Os peixes recifais são componentes essenciais das comunidades costeiras marinhas tropicais, fornecendo alimento e fonte de renda para milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo. Neste trabalho, geramos uma lista de verificação atualizada do Monumento Natural das Ilhas Cagarras e áreas do entorno com base em dados de pesca, registros da literatura e múltiplas técnicas de amostragem, incluindo a técnica de vídeo rotacional subaquático usada pela primeira vez no Brasil. Apresentamos um inventário de 282 espécies de peixes representando 91 famílias, com 21 novos registros para área de estudo, incluindo uma espécie não nativa (Heniochus acuminatus). Além disso, nossos resultados mostram um nível de endemismo moderado da província brasileira (aproximadamente 6,0%), sendo 10,5% das espécies classificadas em uma das categorias ameaçadas da IUCN. Nossos esforços mostram o cenário da biodiversidade de peixes e sua distribuição nas ilhas costeiras mais de 10 anos após o estabelecimento do Monumento Natural das Ilhas Cagarras, reforçando a importância de programas de pesquisa de monitoramento para a gestão desta Área Marinha Protegida e suas águas adjacentes, que desempenham papel fundamental para a pesca artesanal.

Abstract Coastal islands of Grande Rio, located south Rio de Janeiro and Maricá cities have been under multiple anthropogenic impacts. Despite these problems, these insular systems shelter a high diversity of fish species. Reef fishes are essential components of tropical marine coastal communities, also providing food and income for millions of people around the world. In this work, we generated an updated checklist from Cagarras Islands Natural Monument and surrounding areas based on fisheries data, literature records and multiple sampling techniques, including the Submersible Rotating Video technique, used for the first time in Brazil. We present an inventory of 282 fish species representing 91 different families, with 21 new records for the study area, including a non-native species (Heniochus acuminatus). In addition, our results show a moderate endemism level for the Brazilian province (approximately 6.0%), while 10.5% of species are assigned to one of IUCN’s threatened categories. Our efforts show the fish biodiversity scenario and their distribution on coastal islands more than 10 years after the Cagarras Islands Natural Monument establishment, reinforcing the importance of monitoring research programs for the management of this Marine Protected Area and surrounding waters, that play a key role for artisanal fisheries.

Resumen La riqueza de peces arrecifales es bien conocida en el Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV), SE del golfo de México. Sin embargo, el conocimiento de la estructura del ensamble y su variabilidad espacial es limitada. Con este propósito, 5 campañas de muestreo (2012-2015) se llevaron a cabo usando el método del censo visual estacionario, en 10 arrecifes seleccionados. Los hallazgos más importantes fueron: 116 especies registradas. La densidad promedio total (2.31 Ind/m2) es similar a la que se registró en los arrecifes del Caribe en el siglo XX. Las 5 especies más abundantes fueron: Chromis multilineata, Ocyurus chrysurus, Abudefduf saxatilis, Stegastes leucostictus y Elacatinus jarocho. Encontramos evidencia de un patron de distribución espacial con 3 grupos de arrecifes: (1) los que están cerca de la ciudad de Veracruz, (2) los que están cerca de la desembocadura del río Jamapa y (3) los que están alejados de la ciudad. Las densidades altas están asociadas a coberturas altas de corales hermatípicos y bajas de algas coralinas encostrantes. La estructura del ensamble difiere entre zonas geomorfológicas arrecifales. Con diferencias en el orden de abundancia, la estructura del ensamble de peces arrecifales es similar en los arrecifes del golfo de México.

Abstract Reef fish species richness of the Veracruz Reef System National Park (VRSNP) in the SW Gulf of Mexico is well known. However, the knowledge of the assemblage structure and its spatial variability in the reef ecosystem is quite limited. For that purpose, 5 field surveys (2012-2015) were performed, using the stationary visual census method, at 10 selected reefs. The most important findings were: 116 reef species were recorded. Average total reef fish density (2.31 Ind/m2) is similar to the records for the Caribbean reefs in the 20th century. The top 5 most abundant species were: Chromis multilineata, Ocyurus chrysurus, Abudefduf saxatilis, Stegastes leucostictus, and Elacatinus jarocho. We found evidence of a spatial distribution pattern with 3 well-defined groups of reefs: (1) those near the city of Veracruz, (2) those near the outlet of the Jamapa River, and (3) those farther from the city. Higher fish densities are associated to both high hermatypic coral and low crustose coralline algae bottom covers. The assemblage structure of reef fishes is different at distinct geomorphological reef zones. As expected, with some differences in the species abundance order, the assemblage structure of reef fishes is similar at all coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.

RESUMO A cor nos animais responde a pressões seletivas e media a relação entre organismo e ambiente. Peixes recifais têm a maior variedade de tipos de células de pigmento. Essa variedade de padrões de coloração pode funcionar como camuflagem e estar relacionada ao uso espacial. Nós testamos a hipótese de que a coloração dos peixes recifais está relacionada à ocupação do estrato da coluna d’água. Previmos que animais sedentários conectados ao fundo aproveitam a semelhança ao fundo ou padrões disruptivos; espécies demersais mais móveis aplicam coloração disruptiva ou deslumbramento de movimento; e que espécies pelágicas tendem a apresentar corpos prateados. Classificamos os padrões de coloração e categorizamos o uso do estrato da coluna d’água para os peixes recifais brasileiros no FishBase. Nossas análises confirmaram que quebras de contorno irregulares, sugerindo coloração disruptiva, ocorrem em espécies bentônicas e que a cor prateada prevaleceu no estrato pelágico. Nossos dados brutos sugeriram uma maior frequência de listras contrastantes, típicas do deslumbramento de movimento, em espécies demersais. Mas a considerável incerteza dessas estimativas não confirmou esse padrão. A coloração dos peixes recifais está correlacionada com a ocupação de diferentes estratos da coluna d’água. Isso pode ser interpretado como peixes sendo adaptados a estes habitats, explicando em parte a riqueza de padrões de coloração entre eles.

ABSTRACT Color in animals responds to selective pressures and mediates the relationship between organism and environment. Reef fishes have the amplest variety of pigment cell types. This color patterns’ variety may function as camouflage and be related to spatial use. We tested the hypothesis that the coloration of reef fish relates to water column stratum occupation. We predicted that sedentary animals connected to the background take advantage of background matching or disruptive patterns; more mobile demersal species apply disruptive coloration or motion-dazzle; and that pelagic species tend to have silvery bodies. We classified color patterns and categorized the water column stratum use for the Brazilian reef fishes in FishBase. Our analyses confirmed that irregular contrasting contour breaks, suggestive of disruptive coloration, occurs in benthic species and that silvering color was more prevalent in the pelagic stratum. Our raw data suggested a higher frequency of contrasting regular stripes, typical of motion-dazzle, in demersal species. However, the considerable uncertainty around estimates did not confirm this pattern. Reef fishes coloration is correlated to occupation of different strata in the water column. This can be interpreted as fishes being adapted to these habitats and partially explaining the richness of color patterns among them.

Resumen El Chocó-Darién es una importante área biogeográfica, pues es un hotspot de biodiversidad terrestre y el límite sur de los arrecifes del Caribe. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha no existen datos compilados actualizados sobre las especies de peces de arrecife de esta región. En este trabajo proporcionamos una lista actualizada de peces marinos del sistema arrecifal del Chocó-Darién (Colombia), con comentarios sobre su distribución geográfica y estado de conservación. Para la elaboración de esta lista se consultaron publicaciones, datos no publicados y censos visuales in situ. Se recopilaron 212 especies de peces de arrecife de 57 familias. Ocho de estas especies no tenían registros previos publicados, y una de ellas es registrada por primera vez (Trachinotus falcatus). Las familias con mayor número de especies fueron Labridae (n = 21), Gobiidae (n = 18) y Serranidae (n = 17). Se registraron 14 especies amenazadas, entre ellas una en peligro crítico (Epinephelus striatus) y dos en peligro (Balistes vetula y Scarus coelestinus). Este estudio contribuye a complementar las lagunas de conocimiento sobre la diversidad de los peces de arrecife del límite sur del Caribe y plantea la preocupación de la invasión del pez león en el sistema arrecifal del Chocó-Darién.

Abstract Chocó-Darien is an important biogeographic realm, as it is a terrestrial biodiversity hotspot and the southern limit of the Caribbean reefs. However, to date there are no compiled data on the reef fish assemblage of this region. We provide an updated checklist of marine fishes from the Chocó-Darien reef system (Colombia), with comments on their geographic distribution and conservation status. Peer-reviewed studies, unpublished data and in situ visual censuses were surveyed to compose this checklist. A total of 212 reef fish species across 57 families were compiled, eight of which had no previously published records, one of which (Trachinotus falcatus) is recorded for the first time. The most speciose families were Labridae (n = 21), Gobiidae (n = 18) and Serranidae (n = 17). Fourteen threatened species were recorded, including one critically endangered (Epinephelus striatus) and two endangered (Balistes vetula and Scarus coelestinus). This study contributes to fill the knowledge gaps on the reef fish diversity of the Caribbean southern limit and raises concern on the spread of the lionfish invasion into the Chocó-Darién reef system.

Resumen Introducción: Los hábitats costeros de todo el mundo están experimentando una presión cada vez mayor debido a la contaminación, el desarrollo costero, la pesca y el cambio climático. Identificar y registrar la biodiversidad costera es esencial para evaluar la salud, los cambios y el alcance de la pérdida de biodiversidad de los ecosistemas. Los hábitats costeros tropicales como los arrecifes de coral y los lechos de pastos marinos han sido el foco de investigación de los científicos durante las últimas décadas; sin embargo, se han descuidado otros ecosistemas, como los bosques de macroalgas, los fondos de sedimentos submareales (20-30 m de profundidad) y los arrecifes rocosos. Objetivo: Este trabajo reporta la biodiversidad marina asociada con arrecifes rocosos, arrecifes de coral, bosques de Sargazo y fondos submareales sedimentarios (20-30 m de profundidad), en un área tropical de afloramiento estacional (Península de Santa Elena, Bahía de Santa Elena e Islas Murciélago, Costa Rica). Métodos: Durante la Expedición Santa Elena (21 de abril-2 de mayo de 2018), se visitaron un total de 28 sitios para registrar la biodiversidad en cuatro hábitats diferentes (arrecifes rocosos y de coral, bosques de sargazo y fondos de sedimentos submareales), utilizando SCUBA, en muestreos sistemáticos, evaluaciones visuales y en algunos fondos de sedimentos se utilizó una draga de arrastre por 20 minutos. Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 254 taxones, siendo los peces óseos el grupo más diverso con 91 especies, seguido de los gasterópodos (25 spp.), las algas rojas (21 spp.) y los antozoos (19 spp.). Se reportan cuatro nuevos registros para el Pacífico continental de Costa Rica, incluida la subclase de una anémona tubícola (Ceriantharia). Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran que la península de Santa Elena, la bahía de Santa Elena y las islas Murciélago albergan hábitats poco comunes y no estudiados, como bosques del alga parda Sargassum, fondos de sedimentos, arrecifes construidos por el coral masivo Pavona gigantea, que es muy inusual, y comunidades de arrecifes rocosos dominadas por colonias calcáreas de poliquetos (Salmacina tribranchiata).

Abstract Introduction: Worldwide, coastal habitats are experiencing increasing pressure from pollution, coastal development, fisheries, and climate change. Identifying and recording coastal biodiversity is essential to assess ecosystem health, changes and the extent of biodiversity loss. Coastal tropical habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds have been the research focus for scientists during the last decades; however, other ecosystems have been neglected, such as macroalgae forests, subtidal (20-30 m deep) sedimentary bottoms, and rocky reefs. Objective: Our study reports the marine biodiversity associated with rocky reefs, coral reefs, Sargassum forests and sedimentary subtidal bottoms (20-30 m deep), in a tropical seasonal upwelling area (Santa Elena Peninsula, Santa Elena Bay, and Murciélago Islands, Costa Rica). Methods: During the ‘Santa Elena Expedition’ (April 21-May 2 2018), a total of 28 sites were visited in order to record the biodiversity across four different habitats (rocky and coral reefs, Sargassum forests, subtidal sedimentary bottoms), using SCUBA and both systematic surveys and visual assessments; in some sedimentary bottoms a 20-minute dredge tows were done. Results: A total of 254 taxa were identified, being bony fishes the most diverse group (91 species), followed by gastropods (25 spp.), red algae (21 spp.) and anthozoans (19 spp.). We report four new records for the Pacific mainland of Costa Rica, including the subclass of tube-dwelling sea anemone (Ceriantharia). Conclusions: Our results show that Santa Elena Peninsula, Santa Elena Bay, and Murciélago Islands harbor uncommon and unstudied habitats, such as Sargassum forests, sedimentary bottoms, reefs constructed by the stony coral Pavona gigantea -which is very unusual- and rocky reef communities dominated by calcareous colonies of polychaetes (Salmacina tribranchiata).

Abstract: The lionfish invasion, Pterois volitans, in the US Atlantic coast and the Caribbean Sea waters represents a threat to the functioning of native marine ecosystem. This species was first reported in the Venezuelan coast in 2010, and by 2013 was very common in reef areas. This study aims to evaluate the abundance and trophic ecology of the lionfish in the Morrocoy National Park, and compare its abundance with other native species. In 2013, visual censuses were carried out and lionfish specimens were collected in different habitats (reefs, seagrass and mangroves) at different depth levels (1-3, 6-9, 12-15 m). Results showed high variability in the abundance of the lionfish populations, with an average density of 46.30 (± 42.31 SD) fishes* ha-1 in reefs, while in seagrass and mangroves no specimens were recorded. The density in reefs of this species was no different between depth levels and was significantly higher than other native species surveyed (families Muraenidae and Serranidae). The diet of P. volitans was composed of fish and crustaceans, with a higher proportion of fishes in larger individuals. The most abundant fish families within the park, Labridae, Haemulidae and Gobiidae, were part of its diet. Given the generalist predator behavior of the lionfish, an increase in their populations could significantly affect the abundances of native fish families and the structure and functioning of the reef ecosystems.

Resumen: La invasión del pez león, Pterois volitans, en la costa Atlántica de los Estados Unidos y el mar Caribe representa una amenaza al funcionamiento del ecosistema marino. En 2010, fue reportado por primera vez en las costas venezolanas, y en 2013 ya era común en zonas arrecifales. El objetivo del presente estudio, fue evaluar la abundancia y la ecología trófica del pez león en el Parque Nacional Morrocoy, y comparar su abundancia con la de otras especies nativas. En el 2013, se realizaron censos visuales y recolectaron especímenes en diferentes hábitats (arrecifes, praderas de fanerógamas y manglares) y estratos de profundidad (1-3, 6-9, 12-15 m). Los resultados mostraron una alta variabilidad en la abundancia, con una densidad promedio de 46,30 (± 42,31 DE) peces∙ha-1 en arrecifes, mientras que en praderas de fanerógamas y manglares no se observó la presencia de la especie. Su densidad no difirió entre estratos de profundidad y fue significativamente mayor a la de las especies nativas censadas (familias Muraenidae y Serranidae). Su dieta estuvo compuesta de peces y crustáceos, con una mayor proporción de peces en especímenes de mayor tamaño. Las familias de peces más abundantes dentro del parque, Labridae, Haemulidae y Gobiidae, formaron parte de su dieta. Dadas las características del pez león como depredador generalista, un aumento de su población posiblemente afectaría significativamente la abundancia de peces nativos de las familias más representadas en su dieta, y la estructura y funcionamiento de estos sistemas arrecifales.

RESUMEN La familia Tripterygiidae incluye a los peces conocidos como triple aletas por la división en tres segmentos que caracteriza la aleta dorsal de sus especies. De las 183 especies reconocidas como válidas para la familia solamente 16 se distribuyen en el Pacífico oriental, incluyendo dos endémicas y únicas representantes de la familia en el Santuario de Fauna y Flora Isla Malpelo: Axoclinus rubinoffi y Lepidonectes bimaculatus. El presente trabajo aporta datos morfológicos y ecológicos de la etapa larval y adulta para las dos especies de triple aletas del santuario. Con respecto a las larvas, la abundancia promedio fue de 1,88 individuos/m2 para A. rubinoffi y 0,25 individuos/m2 para L. bimaculatus en las estaciones nocturnas donde fueron recolectadas, a 0,8 y 1,61 km de distancia al occidente y en localidades muy cercanas a la isla como El Arrecife y La Nevera. Los adultos fueron recolectados alrededor de la isla entre 0-30 m de profundidad y su abundancia fue de 0,22 individuos/m2 para L. bimaculatus y de 0,19 individuos/m2 para A. rubinoffi. Se amplía el conocimiento de la variabilidad natural de los rangos morfológicos de ambas especies y se evidencian diferencias entre las densidades poblacionales encontradas en previos estudios. Para entender las dinámicas poblacionales de estas especies es necesario evaluar series de tiempo más largas e incluir otras metodologías de estudio como las evaluaciones genéticas.

ABSTRACT The fishes of the family Tripterygidae are commonly known as triplefins because its dorsal fin is divided into three segments. Of the 183 species recognized as valid only 16 are distributed in the eastern Pacific. Two endemic species and only members of the family are found in the FFS Malpelo Island: Axoclinus rubinoffi y Lepidonectes bimaculatus. In this work, additional data are provided on the adults and larvae of the triplefins of the sanctuary. The mean abundances of the larvae were 1,88 individuals/m2 for A. rubinoffi and 0.25 individuals/m2 for L. bimaculatus at the night stations where they were collected, 0.8 and 1.61 km to the west of the island and very close specifically on El Arrecife and La Nevera. The adults were collected around the island between 0-30 m depth and the abundance was 0.22 individuals/m2 for L. bimaculatus and 0.19 individuals/m2 for A. rubinoffi. The natural variability of the morphological traits of both species is extended and differences between the population densities with previous studies are found. To really understand the population dynamics of these species, it is necessary to evaluate long time series and include other methods such as genetic information.

Resumo Os peixes da família Haemulidae estão atualmente distribuídos em 19 gêneros, com distribuição mundial em águas oceânicas tropicais e subtropicais. Brachygenys e Haemulon são importantes gêneros de peixes recifais do Brasil, visto que ocorrem em grandes cardumes, de valores ecológicos e comerciais. Este estudo identificou as espécies brasileiras dos gêneros Brachygenys e Haemulon usando o código de barras de DNA. Embora apenas uma única linhagem de Brachygenys chrysargyrea, Haemulon melanurum, H. parra e H. squamipinna tenha sido encontrada em nosso conjunto de dados, mais de uma unidade taxonômica operacional molecular (MOTU) foi identificada em H. atlanticus, H. aurolineatum e H. plumieri, indicando a possível existência de populações discretas ou espécies crípticas.

Abstract The fishes of the Haemulidae family are currently allocated to 19 genera with a worldwide distribution in the tropical and subtropical waters of the world’s oceans. Brachygenys and Haemulon are important genera of reef fish in Brazil, as they occur in large shoals, which are both ecologically and commercially valuable. This study identified the Brazilian species of the genera Brachygenys and Haemulon using DNA barcodes. While we found only a single lineage in Brachygenys chrysargyrea, Haemulon melanurum, H. parra, and H. squamipinna, more than one molecular operational taxonomic unit (MOTU) was identified in H. atlanticus, H. aurolineatum, and H. plumieri, indicating the possible existence of discrete populations or cryptic species.

Resumo Os recifes de coral abrigam uma das maiores biodiversidades de peixes do planeta; no entanto, as informações sobre peixes de recife ainda estão ausentes em muitas regiões. Analisamos a riqueza, distribuição e a conservação de peixes recifais na maior Área de Proteção Ambiental (APA) costeira de uso múltiplo do Brasil; área que possui grande extensão de recifes de corais no SWA. Um total de 325 espécies de peixes foram listadas para APA Costa dos Corais, incluindo Chondrichthyes (28 espécies) e Actinopterygii (297). As espécies de peixes foram representadas por 81 famílias e as famílias mais representativas foram Carangidae (23 espécies), Labridae (21) e Gobiidae (15). A riqueza de peixes da APA representou 44% de todas as espécies de peixes registradas no Oceano Atlântico Sudoeste (SWA), destacando a importância em grande escala desta APA. Um total de 40 espécies (12%) estão registradas como Quase Ameaçada (NT), Vulnerável (VU), Em Perigo (EN) ou Criticamente Em Perigo (CR). Este estudo reforça a importância da APA Costa dos Corais na biodiversidade e conservação dos peixes recifais e enfatiza a necessidade urgente de estratégias de conservação.

Abstract Coral reefs harbor one of the largest fish biodiversity on earth; yet information on reef fishes is still absent for many regions. We analyzed reef fish richness, distribution, and conservation on the largest Brazilian multiple use coastal MPA; which cover a large extent of coral reefs at the SWA. A total of 325 fish species have been listed for MPA Costa dos Corais, including Chondrichthyes (28 species) and Actinopterygii (297). Fish species were represented by 81 families and the most representative families were Carangidae (23 species), Labridae (21) and Gobiidae (15). The MPA fish richness represented 44% of all recorded fish species of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWA) highlighting the large-scale importance of this MPA. A total of 40 species (12%) are registered at Near Threatened (NT), Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) or Critically Endangered (CR). This study reinforces the importance of MPA Costa dos Corais on reef fish biodiversity and conservation and emphasize the urgent need of conservation strategies.

Abstract Physiological responses of marine organisms are influenced by environmental variations, particularly in dynamic habitats. These variations could be at a diel or seasonal scale, and requires acclimation responses that, at a molecular level, are facilitated by gene expression regulation. Circadian rhythms allow organisms to adjust to recurring environmental changes and to synchronize physiological processes. Increased Hsp70 gene expression allows organisms to protect themselves against heat and other stressors, conferring them a periodically changing thermotolerance. This study aimed at analyzing whether the variability of exogenous factors (temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity) in diurnal or seasonal scales affects hsp70 expression in cryptic reef fishes in their natural environment. The study model was Lythrypnus dalli, an endemic cryptic reef fish inhabiting shallow waters throughout the Gulf of California. Physical parameters varied seasonally; temperature increased 6°C during the warm season, salinity and dissolved oxygen remained with minor variation. Minimal changes in temperature (±1 °C) occurred diurnally. Expression levels of hsp70 increased significantly during the warm season (p < 0.05), perhaps related to seasonal thermal changes. No difference in hsp70 was observed during the diurnal cycle (p > 0.05). L. dalli has apparently developed phenotypic plasticity to face environmental variability at diurnal and seasonal scales.

Resumen Las respuestas fisiológicas de los organismos marinos son influenciadas por variaciones ambientales, particularmente en hábitats dinámicos. Éstas pueden ser a escala diurna o estacional y requieren respuestas que, a nivel molecular, son facilitadas por inducción de expresión génica. Los ritmos circadianos permiten ajustar cambios ambientales recurrentes y sincronizarlos con procesos fisiológicos. El incremento en la expresión de hsp70 es una estrategia para enfrentar cambios térmicos y otros estresores, confiriendo termotolerancia que cambia periódicamente. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar si la variabilidad de factores exógenos (temperatura, oxígeno disuelto, salinidad) en escalas diurna o estacional afecta la expresión de hsp70 en peces crípticos en su medio natural. El modelo de estudio fue Lythrypnus dalli, un pez críptico arrecifal que habita el Golfo de California. Los parámetros físicos variaron estacionalmente; la temperatura aumentó 6°C durante la temporada cálida, salinidad y oxígeno disuelto permanecieron con variaciones mínimas. Se observaron cambios mínimos (±1°C) en temperatura en el ciclo diurno. Los niveles de expresión de hsp70 aumentaron durante la estación cálida (p < 0.05). No se observaron diferencias en hsp70 durante el ciclo diurno (p > 0,05). L. dalli aparentemente ha desarrollado plasticidad fenotípica para enfrentar la variabilidad ambiental diurna y estacional.

Resumen Introducción: El Pacífico Norte de Costa Rica generalmente se considera rico en hábitats y especies marinas. Sin embargo, algunas zonas están sujetas a presiones de pesca que pueden degradar los ecosistemas. El Golfo de Papagayo comprende zonas protegidas y desprotegidas con diversos grados de impacto. Objetivos: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el estado de conservación de las comunidades de peces e invertebrados en los arrecifes rocosos y las zonas arenosas de dos bahías desprotegidas del Golfo de Papagayo. Métodos: El estudio se llevó a cabo en las bahías de Cabuyal y Zapotillal, al sur del Parque Nacional Santa Rosa. Desde diciembre 2017 hasta abril 2018, se realizaron un total de 35 transectos paralelos a la costa entre 3-10 m de profundidad. Se identificaron especies de peces e invertebrados y se estimó la biomasa por grupo trófico en los peces, y la densidad en los invertebrados. Resultados: Encontramos un alto número de especies de peces (81) e invertebrados (70) en arrecifes rocosos, lo que indica un ecosistema biodiverso, pero pocas especies de peces en zonas arenosas. La composición de especies difirió entre las dos bahías. La densidad de peces juveniles fue elevada en la bahía de Zapotillal, lo que sugiere que la zona podría ser importante para el reclutamiento y la reproducción. La biomasa de peces fue mayor en zonas arenosas que en arrecifes rocosos y todos los grupos tróficos tuvieron menores biomasas que en otras zonas desprotegidas de la región. En promedio, la biomasa de peces de arrecifes fue de 1.57 ± 0.67 (s.e.) t ha-1, similar a lo reportado anteriormente en el Pacífico Norte de Costa Rica. Por grupo trófico, los piscívoros y planctívoros tuvieron la biomasa más alta en las zonas arenosas y los piscívoros y carnívoros en los arrecifes rocosos. La cobertura media de coral fue baja con 4.09 % ± 2.51 (s.e.), similar a la reportada anteriormente para la región. Conclusiones: Las bahías Cabuyal y Zapotillal en el Golfo de Papagayo son biodiversas en peces e invertebrados. Sin embargo, la zona puede verse afectada por las pesquerías locales y otras actividades humanas, lo que afecta a las poblaciones de peces e invertebrados y formaciones coralinas. Nuestro estudio llena algunos vacíos de conocimiento de la biodiversidad marina en el Golfo de Papagayo que pueden contribuir a la conservación de la vida marina en el Pacífico Norte de Costa Rica.

Abstract Introduction: North Pacific Costa Rica is generally considered rich in marine habitats and species. However, some areas are subject to fishing pressures that could degrade ecosystems. The Gulf of Papagayo comprises protected and unprotected areas with various degrees of impact. Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the conservation status of fish and invertebrate communities in rocky reefs and sandy areas in two unprotected bays of the Gulf of Papagayo. Methods: The study was conducted at Cabuyal and Zapotillal Bays, south of Santa Rosa National Park. From December 2017 to April 2018, a total of thirty-five transects were done parallel to the coast at 3-10 m depth. We identified fish and invertebrate species and estimated biomass by trophic group in fish, and density in invertebrates. Results: We found a high number of species of fish (81) and invertebrates (70) in rocky reefs, which indicates a biodiverse ecosystem, but few species of fish in sandy areas. Species composition differed between the two bays. Density of juvenile fishes was high in Zapotillal Bay, suggesting that the area could be important for recruitment and breeding. Fish biomass was higher in sandy areas than in rocky reefs and all trophic groups had lower biomass than in other unprotected areas of the region. On average, reef fish biomass was 1.57 ± 0.67 (s.e.) t ha-1, similar to previous reports for Costa Rican North Pacific. By trophic group, piscivorous and planktivorous had the highest biomass in sandy areas and piscivorous and carnivorous in rocky reefs. Mean coral cover was low with 4.09 % ± 2.51 (s.e.), similar to previously reported for the region. Conclusions: Cabuyal and Zapotillal Bays in the Gulf of Papagayo are biodiverse in fish and invertebrates. However, the area may be impacted by local fisheries and other human activities, affecting fish and invertebrate populations, and coral formations. Our study fills some gaps in knowledge of marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Papagayo that can contribute to the conservation of marine life in North Pacific Costa Rica.