Are free-floating planktonic hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) common components of the pelagic fauna from the South Brazilian Bight?

Author(s)

Cabral, Ana Caroline ^[1] ; Nogueira Junior, Miodeli ^[2] ; Nagata, Renato Mitsuo ^[3] ; Brandini, Frederico Pereira ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Parana, Ctr Estudos Mar, Programa Posgrad Sistemas Costeiros & Ocean, BR-83255976 Pontal Do Parana, PR - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Paraiba, Dept Sistemat & Ecol, BR-58051900 Joao Pessoa, Paraiba - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Oceanog, BR-05508120 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom; v. 95, n. 8, p. 1645-1652, DEC 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

We analysed 267 zooplankton samples collected in the South Brazilian Bight (SBB; 23-27 degrees S) to determine whether hydroids, typically benthic, are common components of the pelagic SBB. Two species, Clytia arborescens, recorded for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean, and Clytia sp. were identified. While these planktonic hydroids were frequent or relatively so in shallow shelf waters (similar to 23% of the samples <50 m isobaths, and 5% of the samples >100 m), abundances were low (up to 61 hydranths m(-3)) suggesting a low trophic impact. Such colonies are probably fragments of benthic colonies detached by storms and/or tides. Given the good condition of the coenosarc, existence of gastric content, and presence of reproductive structures, development of these species appears to be normal in the pelagic environment. Existence in the plankton may increase their capacity for dispersion. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/00436-8 - Morphofunctional bases of feeding and the trophic role of Lychnorhiza lucerna (Scyphozoa, Rhizostomeae)
• Grantee: Renato Mitsuo Nagata
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 11/21290-1 - Long term (1969-2003) fluctuations on structure and abundance of gelatinous zooplankton (Cnidaria and Thaliacea) on South Brazilian Bight
• Grantee: Frederico Pereira Brandini
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/09880-8 - Long-term flutuations (1963-2003) on the structure and abundance of gelatinous zooplankton (Cnidaria and Thaliacea) on South Brazilian Bight
• Grantee: Miodeli Nogueira Junior
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate