ABSTRACT The lionfish is the first invasive species that came to the western Atlantic region to establish itself as an ecological and economic threat to coral ecosystems and commercially important consumption species. Fifteen specimens were collected in Quintana Roo, Mexico, to analyze the chemical composition of the lionfish (Pterois volitans) as a strategy to promote its consumption by the population. They were gutted, filleted, homogenized and chemically analyzed. The analyzed LF had an energetic protein content of 103.89 kcal 100 g-1 of the fillet (20.19%) and a fat percentage of 2.56%. The content of P, Ca, Na, K and Mg were 174.15, 26.09, 81.47, 339.73 and 30.27 mg 100 g-1, respectively. The most abundant essential amino acid was lysine (12.98 g 100 g-1 protein). The present work is important because it reports that the LF could be used as food with the right quantity and quality of protein, and its consumption would diminish its environmental impact.

ABSTRACT Microanalysis of elemental composition using dispersive energy X-ray is a biomonitoring tool to identify hazard metals. Using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, we studied the bioaccumulation of toxic metals in the lorica of diatoms, dinoflagellates, rotifers, cladocerans, copepods and fish scales in the aquatic ecosystems of northeastern Quintana Roo, Mexico. The study was carried out in the coastal zone, where samples were collected in 16 exposed bodies of water, including dolines, mangroves and lagoons. Microanalysis of the most abundant organisms revealed evidence of the presence of essential trace elements and metals (Ag, Al, Br, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb and Zn) in the lorica and scales. Furthermore, interpolation maps of the northeastern zone of Quintana Roo were produced to pinpoint critical pollution zones of Cd, Hg and Pb, elements that are deemed toxic to the health of humans and aquatic ecosystems. In conclusion, elemental microanalysis of species native to the Mexican state of Quintana Roo using X-ray is a powerful tool for aquatic and toxicological biomonitoring of hazardous metals.

Abstract: The longhorn blenny (Hypsoblennius exstochilus) belongs to the family Bleniidae. It is easy to identify by the size and form of the ocular cirri, the color pattern of the head and the fleshy flap that extends from the corner of the mouth. It was originally described in the Bahamas, and later it was recorded in Cuba, Virgin Islands, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. No previous records from the continental Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico exist. By photographic record of 1 specimen, we provide the first report of Hypsoblennius exstochilus in the Continental Caribbean (Mexico).

Resumen: El blenio cornudo (Hypsoblennius exstochilus) pertenece a la familia Blenniidae, fácilmente identificable por el gran tamaño y forma de los cirros oculares, el patrón de coloración de la cabeza y la solapa carnosa que presenta y se extiende desde la comisura de la boca. La especie fue descrita originalmente en las Bahamas y posteriormente fue registrada en Cuba, Islas Vírgenes, Jamaica y Puerto Rico. Sin embargo, no existían registros en la parte continental del Caribe y golfo de México. Mediante fotografía de un ejemplar, se registra por primera vez esta especie en aguas del Caribe continental (México).

The present study reports estimates of alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (Γ) diversity for the fish community of Chacmochuch Lagoon (SE Mexico), a natural protected area located in the northern portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Fish specimens were sampled in 2004 and 2006. Field work was carried out at three climatic peaks: at 13 stations using a 70 m-long beach seine. The collected data were supplemented with information obtained from a previous work conducted in 2002 and were then analyzed with multivariate statistical methods. In addition, fish composition results from this study were compared to those reported for other similar ecosystems of the region. A total of 68 fish species were recorded, determined as peripheral (high-salinity species, usually marine affinity) most of them. Most of the fish species collected were determined as rare, and a few number of species were determined as common and dominant. Salinity, TSD, temperature, dissolved oxygen and other variables were measured to determine the influence over the fish communities, four groups of sites where determined. Results indicated a gradual decrease in the degree of species replacement towards the interior of the system (away from the coast). The estimated value of gamma diversity was high compared to that reported for other coastal systems of the region and, due to the high degree of habitat heterogeneity found in this system; beta diversity had a greater contribution to gamma diversity than alpha diversity. This lagoon acts as a nursing area for many of the fish species collected in this study as indicated by the presence of juvenile stages.

En el presente estudio, se midió y se determinó la biodiversidad alfa (α), beta (β) y gamma (Γ) de la comunidad de peces en el Sistema Lagunar Chacmochuch, un Área Natural Protegida (ANP) localizada en la zona norte del Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano. El trabajo de campo se realizó en 13 sitios de muestreo durante los ciclos anuales 2004 y 2006, considerando los tres picos climáticos representativos de la región. Para la captura se utilizo un chinchorro de 70 m de largo. La matriz de información utilizada para el análisis se complemento con datos obtenidos a partir de un trabajo realizado durante el periodo 2002. Análisis multivariados fueron utilizados para la generación de resultados. Los resultados de la composición de peces se compararon con los reportados para otros ecosistemas similares de la región. Un total de 68 especies fueron registradas siendo periféricas (especies de alta salinidad y afinidad marina) la mayoría de ellas. Del registro, la mayoría de las especies se determinaron como especies raras, un número menor fueron especies comunes y dominantes. La salinidad, SDT, temperatura, oxigeno disuelto y otras variables fueron medidas para determinar su efecto sobre la comunidad de peces, encontrando cuatro agrupaciones de sitios. Los resultados indican una disminución gradual de las especies hacia el interior del sistema (al alejarse de la costa). La diversidad gamma es alta comparada a otros sistemas costeros de la región; sin embargo la taza de recambio beta es la que determina su alta heterogeneidad. Especies en estadios juveniles y de importancia económica fueron dominantes en el sistema, lo que determinan la zona como un área de crianza.