The present study tested the hypothesis that endosymbionts of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum show specific responses in cell density, size, and mitotic index (as proxy for cell population growth) under different environmental conditions (water depth, position within the reef and within the colony). Colony fragments were sampled at the nearshore coastal reefs of Porto de Galinhas and at the oceanic St. Peter and St. Paul's archipelago (SPSP), Brazil. At the coastal reefs, zooxanthellae showed higher density on the reef flat (mean: 2.99 × 106 cm−2) than at the back reef (mean: 2.07 × 106 cm−2). Zooxanthellae were larger at the center of the colonies (mean: 10.61 µm) than at the edges (mean: 10.11 µm), where younger polyps were found. At SPSP, zooxanthellae showed smaller cell diameters at 3 m depth, than at 5–15 m. Cell size increased with depth, thus enhancing the photosynthetic efficiency of colonies in deeper environments. Strategies and adaptations of these endosymbionts to environmental stressors are discussed. Symbiont distribution patterns shown in this study have fundamental implications for the monitoring of the health of tropical reef ecosystems.

Many ecosystem services and functions provided by coral reefs have been compromised worldwide because of its conservation status. Despite such evidence, no published studies address herbivory-mediated competitive interactions between corals and algae in Brazilian reefs. The reciprocal effects of the interaction between the endemic massive coral Siderastrea stellata and filamentous algae in the presence and absence of herbivory typically found in coastal reefs of Brazil were tested during a bleaching event. To manipulate herbivory, five coral colonies were caged, five left uncaged, and partial cages were placed around five more colonies to test for a cage artifact. In order to assess the competitive interaction, three treatments were applied within each herbivory plot. Coral–algae contact zones either had algae removed, coral tissue removed or both left untouched. During the five month experiment, all 15 colonies bleached because of natural causes and coral tissue did not grow in any of the replicates. Coral mortality was not significantly affected by any experimental factor. On the other hand, algal growth was negatively affected by herbivorous fishes, mainly parrot fishes and damselfishes, but direct contact with S. stellata tissue did not have any effect on filamentous algae. Considering that S. stellata is one of the most common corals in tide pools and reef tops in Brazil, it is very likely that the bleaching event weakened coral polyps and filamentous algae became the major competitor. In conclusion, the coral S. stellata did not offer any resistance to algae overgrowth that was only controlled by herbivory. In case bleaching events alter coral–algae competitive interaction outcomes, herbivory provides a window of opportunity for corals to recover after the disturbance.

O objetivo do trabalho foi o levantamento dos cnidários presentes nos recifes de Maragogi (Alagoas), além da análise do percentual de cobertura dos organismos bentônicos, para coleta de informações faunísticas básicas para o manejo e a conservação desses ecossistemas. O estudo foi realizado no período de dezembro de 2012 a julho de 2013, através de mergulhos livres, com a identificação e quantificação da porcentagem de cobertura dos organismos bentônicos, além do censo visual, utilizando o protocolo AGRRA Band e Line nos recifes das Taócas e Galés. Os resultados evidenciaram através do percentual de cobertura, a predominância algal semelhante a outros locais do Nordeste do Brasil. Além disso, foram identificados dezessete táxons entre corais, octocorais. zoantídeos e hidróides calcários, sendo sete novos registros de ocorrência para os recifes de Maragogi. A predominância entre os cnidários foi de Millepora alcicornis, com cerca de 30% de cobertura em cada recife. Foram observados danos físicos e alterações nas colônias do referido organismo, causados por embarcações utilizadas no turismo e na pesca de subsistência. Palavras-chave: Levantamento taxonômico, cnidários, conservação, ecossistema recifal, manejo.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o padrão comportamental das zooxantelas associadas ao hidróide calcário Millepora alcicornis dos ambientes recifais da Praia de Porto de Galinhas – PE e determinar o grau de branqueamento sofrido por essa espécie e sua possível relação com a temperatura. A área estudada, Praia de Porto de Galinhas, Estado de Pernambuco, está situada entre as coordenadas 08°59’00” a 8°33’33” de latitude S e 35°00’27” a 34°59’00” de longitude W uma das praias mais visitadas do litoral brasileiro, trazendo várias importâncias para a sociedade que dependem direta e indiretamente desse ambiente. Coletas mensais foram realizadas entre setembro de 2010 e setembro de 2011, através de mergulhos em apneia. Foram retirados quatro fragmentos por mês, totalizando 52; posteriormente processados e analisados no Laboratório de Ambientes Recifais (LAR/ UFRPE). A densidade populacional das zooxantelas de M. alcicornis apresentou uma média anual de 1,2 x 106 células/ cm2 . O índice mitótico apresentou uma média anual de 6,2% e o diâmetro celular, uma média anual de 11,75 μm. A correlação entre a densidade populacional e as zooxantelas foi significativamente alta, evidenciando a estreita ligação entre as variáveis. Além de perceber a variação das zooxantelas durante o período estudado, foi possível observar um evento de branqueamento, juntamente com o aparecimento de manchas brancas ocasionadas possivelmente pela doença White Pox. Palavras chave: Simbiose, Coral-de-fogo, Ambientes recifais.

Among the marine invertebrate groups recorded from oceanic islands, bryozoans stand out because they can live and reproduce in suboptimal habitats, which may enhance their dispersal capabilities. This study aimed to update the checklist of bryozoans known from the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago (ASPSP) and discusses their distribution. During the five expeditions conducted between 2007 and 2009, 22 species were found, of which 16 were new occurrences for the archipelago. The bryozoans were collected from different biotic (algae and invertebrates) and abiotic (rocks, rubble and wrecks) substrata. The bryozoan community in ASPSP includes: eight new and probably endemic species, five species that belong to widespread species complexes, three species known only from the Brazilian coast, two species reported from the Western Atlantic and one species recorded from oceanic islets in the Atlantic. Additionally, three species are widespread in tropical to subtropical waters. Margaretta buski can be highlighted as the most conspicuous and abundant species between 1045 m deep and acts as an "ecosystem engineer".

Based on specimens deposited in the scientific collections of the Reef Environment Laboratory of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, National Museum/Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and Oceanography Department of the Federal University of Pernambuco, the first occurrences of the azooxanthellate scleractinians Polycyathus senegalensis and Eguchipsammia cornucopia from Brazilian waters are reported. In addition, latitudinal and/or bathymetric range extensions are reported for Caryophyllia ambrosia caribbeana, Caryophyllia antillarum, Premocyathus cornuformis, Deltocyathus calcar, Paracyathus pulchellus, Flabellum apertum, Sphenotrochus auritus, Madracis asperula and Astrangia solitaria.

Distribuição espacial dos macroorganismos bentônicos nos recifes da Praia de Porto de Galinhas (nordeste do Brasil) com atenção especial aos corais e hidróides calcários. Apesar da sua importância ecológica e socioeconômica, os recifes de coral estão sob constante ameaça e requerem práticas de gestão adequadas. Dados sobre a estrutura espacial destes ecossistemas são essenciais para projetos de conservação de boa qualidade nestas áreas. Este estudo objetivou analisar a distribuição espacial dos macroorganismos bentônicos do ambiente recifal da praia de Porto de Galinhas, com enfoque especial nos corais e hidróides calcários. Realizou-se um levantamento da plataforma recifal através de mergulho autônomo, utilizando-se transectos em linha de 10m de comprimento. Grandes regiões cobertas por algas foram verificadas, totalizando 53% das observações. Os zoantídeos compreendem o segundo grupo mais representativo (11%). Um total de 173 colônias de corais e hidróides calcários foi observado sendo que 40% destas colônias estavam total ou parcialmente branqueadas.

The Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (Pernambuco State, Brazil), a national marine park, is formed by 21 islands and islets of volcanic origin. An update of the checklist of the benthic cnidarians from some of the archipelago's reef environments, as well as a study of their corals and calcified hydroids morphometry, was the major goal of this work. Fieldwork was undertaken in February 2005 and in April 2006 and observations were carried out at 13 stations during snorkeling and/or scuba diving up to 30 m deep. Thirty-four species of cnidarians were recorded, of which 17 are new occurrences for the studied area. When added to the species previously listed in the literature, the total number of benthic cnidarians recorded for the Archipelago increases to 57. Stephanocoenia michelini, a new occurrence of zooxanthellate coral, is worthy of mention, as well as the calcified hydroid Millepora braziliensis. Mussismilia hispidatenuiseptashowed several variations among its skeletal characters that surpassed the limits of intraspecific morphological variation when compared to those of Mussismilia hispida. Resume : Inventaire et morphometrie des cnidaires benthiques de l'archipel Fernando de Noronha, Bresil.L'archipel Fernando de Noronha (Etat de Pernambouc, Bresil), compose de 21 iles et d'ilots d'origines volcaniques, est un Parc National Marin. Cette etude avait pour objectif d'actualiser la liste de controle de cnidaires benthiques de quelques environnements de recif de l'archipel, et d'explorer la morphometrie de leurs coraux et des hydrocoraux. Les recherches sur le terrain ont ete entreprises en fevrier 2005 et avril 2006. Les observations ont ete realisees sur 13 stations, en apnee ou en plongee en scaphandre autonome, jusqu'a 30 m de profondeur. Parmi les trente-quatre especes de cnidaires repertoriees sur le site d'etude, 17 sont nouvelles pour l'archipel. En tenant compte des autres especes deja decrites dans la litterature, le nombre total de cnidaires benthiques signales dans l'archipel est de 57. Le signalement d'une nouvelle espece de corail abritant des zooxanthelles, Stephanocoenia michelini, est notable, ainsi que celle de l'espece calcifiee Millepora braziliensis.Mussismilia hispidatenuiseptamontre plusieurs variations parmi ses caracteres squelettiques, au dela des limites de variations morphologiques intraspecifiques de Mussismilia hispida.

Long-term monitoring program of organisms is the most recommended for understanding changing processes on reefs. The video transect method presents advantages for that. Specialists state that it is important to make sure that the recorded coverage is always the same between campaigns, so that differences in results may be entirely attributed to environmental changes. This study aimed to test the capability of implementing this requirement through tracking simulation and its validity for monitoring the benthic communities of reefs using the video transect method. Ten transects 20 m long were established in Todos os Santos Bay coral reefs. Subsequent to the first transect capture, a second diver repeated the same track, simulating two different monitoring campaigns. Data were transformed and a matrix of similarity was generated using Bray–Curtis’ Index. ANOSIM analysis was performed to test the similarity of the ten transects and its repetitions. The result, R = 0.08 (P = 0.928), shows that reef monitoring using video transect, the way it is described in the literature, is appropriate, but it is important to consider some premises discussed in this work.

Five species of calcified hydroids occur in shallow waters along the Brazilian coast: four milleporids –Millepora alcicornis Linnaeus, Millepora braziliensis Verrill, Millepora nitida Verrill, and a new species, Millepora laboreli – and one stylasterid – Stylaster roseus (Pallas). Compared to the scleractinian corals, the calcified hydroids of Brazil have received little attention. Nevertheless, Milleporidae are an important component of Brazilian reefs, with colonies that can reach up to 2 m in diameter. Among the aspects that have been studied for Millepora spp, their distributions and skeletal morphometries are the most distinctive. Due to their complex taxonomy, several morphometric characters have been used to facilitate their identification. Molecular systematics has also been used as a complementary technique to traditional taxonomic tools. Other aspects of Brazilian Millepora spp, such as their nematocysts, medusae and ecology, have received less attention; nevertheless, the few existing studies reveal several remarkable features of this genus. Comprehensive studies of Brazilian stylasterids are still lacking.

This study aimed to collect information on the diversity of corals and calcified hydroids of the Manuel Luiz Marine State Park (state of Maranhão, Northeast Brazil) to aid in the development of a management plan for the park. A total of 21 cnidarian species were identified, of which 16 were corals and calcified hydroids. The bathymetric and geographic distribution of each of these species was extended. This area has a rich coral fauna in relation to other parts of Brazil and is comparable in diversity to the Abrolhos Islands (Bahia State) - an unexpected result considering the region's proximity to the Amazon River Basin. Most of the specimens of corals and calcified hydroids observed were bleached.

Cnidarians are among the most venomous organisms known to man. They are characterized by stinging cells called cnidocytes, and several species, such as the Portuguese-man-of-war and the jellyfish, can cause harm to human beings. Despite not attracting () much attention on the Brazilian coast, the studies that have been carried out to date show that the occurrence of this kind of accident is significant. The aim of this study was to survey cnidarian related accidents with beach goers on some beaches of the state of Pernambuco, as well as to investigate the knowledge of relevant professions on this theme. () Archives of hospitals and life guard posts were visited for the survey, and 17 professionals were interviewed. During the visits, records were obtained for a total of 35 accidents at Boa Viagem Beach (Recife) over a two-year period, as well as informal records of an average of four to five cases a week at Piedade Beach and an average of two to three cases a week for Pontas de Pedras Beach. As to the knowledge of the professionals interviewed, most answers agree, in general, with the literature available, despite a certain level of inadequate or insufficient information on the theme.

The skeletal variability of the coral Favia gravida, a species endemic to Brazil, was quantitatively described including populations from three locations: Tamandaré (state of Pernambuco), Abrolhos (state of Bahia), and Santa Cruz (state of Espírito Santo). Ten colonies were collected from each population and fourteen morphological characters were measured from ten corallites per colony. The results of univariate (among 14 skeletal characters, 7 showed p < 0.05) analysis provide evidence to suggest that F. gravida has considerable morphological plasticity, which may explain its ability to adapt to different ecological conditions. The species also displays polymorphism within and between colonies of each population. Intercolony variation within populations was relevant for most of the variables measured. Canonical discriminant analysis (r = 0.8648) showed that the population farthest offshore (Abrolhos) was distinct from the other two (Tamandaré and Santa Cruz), which have been affected by terrigenous sediments carried from the coast. Specimens from Santa Cruz displayed the highest degree of meandrinization.

Os cnidários estão entre os organismos mais peçonhentos que se conhecem. Caracterizam-se por possuir células urticantes denominadas cnidócitos, e diversas espécies, como as chamadas caravelas e águas-vivas, podem ocasionar danos ao homem. Apesar da pouca atenção dada a este tipo de acidente no litoral brasileiro, os estudos existentes mostram que sua ocorrência é significativa. O presente estudo teve como principais objetivos levantar os acidentes causados por cnidários nos banhistas de algumas praias do litoral de Pernambuco e investigar o conhecimento referente a este tema por parte de profissionais de áreas relevantes. Assim, visitou-se arquivos de hospitais, postos praieiros e grupamento salva-vidas para o levantamento de registros, e foram entrevistados 17 profissionais. Foram levantados registros de 35 acidentes para um período de dois anos na Praia de Boa Viagem (Recife), além de registros informais de uma média de quatro a cinco casos por semana na Praia de Piedade e dois a três casos por semana na Praia de Pontas de Pedras. Em relação ao conhecimento dos profissionais entrevistados, a maioria das respostas está, de forma geral, de acordo com a literatura existente, apesar de ainda haver certo nível de informações inadequadas ou insuficientes em relação ao tema estudado.

Neste trabalho e apresentado um primeiro registro de branqueamento extenso na costa norte brasileira, no Parque Estadual Marinho do Parcel do Manuel Luiz. Durante uma expedicao de levantamento de cnidarios em junho de 1998, foi encontrada grande diversidade de corais escleractinios e hidroides calcarios, uma riqueza que, no Brasil, pode ser comparada apenas a regiao de Abrolhos (Bahia): quatro especies de hidroides calcarios e doze especies de corais escleractinios, alem de duas especies de anemonas, uma especie de zoantideo e uma especie de octocoral. No entanto, tres das quatro especies de hidroides calcarios observadas (Millepora alcicornis, M. braziliensis, e Millepora sp.) encontravam-se branqueadas ou mortas e cobertas por algas e/ou invertebrados. Similarmente, entre os corais escleractinios, foi observado branqueamento em especimes de onze das doze especies registradas (Madracis decactis, Agaricia agaricites, A. fragilis, Siderastrea stellata, Porites astreoides, P. branneri, Favia gravida, F. leptophylla, Montastrea cavernosa, Meandrina braziliensis, Mussismilia hispida e Scolymia wellsi). O branqueamento foi associado a elevada media mensal da temperatura da superficie do mar para aquele ano, que, segundo dados de sensoriamento remoto do NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), foi de pelo menos 1oC acima da media mensal do ano anterior, alem de pelo menos 1oC acima da media maxima mensal esperada.

Here we present a first record of widespread coral bleaching off the northern coast of Brazil, in the Manuel Luiz Marine State Park. During an expedition to find cnidarians in June 1998 high scleractinian and calcified hydroid diversity was encountered, a richness that in Brazil can only be compared to the Abrolhos, Bahia State): four species of calcified hydroids, twelve species of scleractinian corals, two species of sea-anemones, one species of zoanthid, and one species of octocoral. However, three of the four species of calcified hydroids observed (Millepora alcicornis, M. braziliensis, and Millepora sp.) were bleached or dead and covered by algae and/or invertebrates. Similarly, among the scleractinian corals, bleaching was observed in specimens of eleven of the twelve species recorded (Madracis decactis, Agaricia agaricites, A. fragilis, Siderastrea stellata, Porites astreoides, P. branneri, Favia gravida, F. leptophylla, Montastrea cavernosa, Meandrina braziliensis, Mussismilia hispida, and Scolymia wellsi). Bleaching was associated with elevated average monthly sea surface temperatures, which was at least 1oC higher than the previous year, and at least 1oC above the expected maximum monthly mean, according to remotely sensed data available online from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Here we present a first record of widespread coral bleaching off the northern coast of Brazil, in the Manuel Luiz Marine State Park. During an expedition to find cnidarians in June 1998 high scleractinian and calcified hydroid diversity was encountered, a richness that in Brazil can only be compared to the Abrolhos, Bahia State): four species of calcified hydroids, twelve species of scleractinian corals, two species of sea-anemones, one species of zoanthid, and one species of octocoral. However, three of the four species of calcified hydroids observed (Millepora alcicornis, M. braziliensis, and Millepora sp.) were bleached or dead and covered by algae and/or invertebrates. Similarly, among the scleractinian corals, bleaching was observed in specimens of eleven of the twelve species recorded (Madracis decactis, Agaricia agaricites, A. fragilis, Siderastrea stellata, Porites astreoides, P. branneri, Favia gravida, F. leptophylla, Montastrea cavernosa, Meandrina braziliensis, Mussismilia hispida, and Scolymia wellsi). Bleaching was associated with elevated average monthly sea surface temperatures, which was at least 1oC higher than the previous year, and at least 1oC above the expected maximum monthly mean, according to remotely sensed data available online from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).