Boletín de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras - INVEMAR

**ABUNDANCE AND SEXUAL MATURITY OF THE BIVALVE ANADARA SIMILIS IN LUISICO MANGROVE, BAHÍA MÁLAGA, COLOMBIAN PACIFIC**

La abundancia y madurez sexual de la piangua Anadara similis fue analizada mensualmente entre septiembre de 2009 y agosto de 2010 en el archipiélago de La Plata, Bahía Málaga, Pacífico colombiano. La madurez sexual se analizó a nivel macroscópico mediante la observación del tejido reproductivo en fresco y microscópico por medio de métodos histológicos estándares. Se estimó una densidad media de 0.130 ± 0.098 ind/m² y una talla media de 42.30 ± 5.00 mm. Los meses de mayor densidad fueron mayo (0.295 ind/m²) y agosto (0.195 ind/m²). La talla media de madurez sexual fue de 41.8 ± 4.5 mm y talla media de 41 mm donde 50% de la población ha tenido mínimo un desove (L50%). Se registraron picos máximos reproductivos durante marzo (83.3%) y abril (75.0%), aunque durante todos los meses de estudio se evidenció actividad reproductiva. El 4.30% de los individuos presentaron casos de hermafroditismo, representando el primer registro de este tipo para la especie. La mayor densidad, mayor talla media, mayor rendimiento de carne en hembras y la presencia de un mayor volumen de tejido reproductivo femenino en hermafroditas, sugiere procesos de reversión sexual en esta especie, lo cual debería ser estudiado en detalle. Las bajas tallas de captura y de madurez sexual, así como la baja densidad de individuos encontrada, pueden ser producto de la alta presión por pesca, modificaciones de hábitat y procesos de contaminación, los cuales deben ser estudiados con el fin de implementar estrategias de manejo para este recurso en el área.

The abundance and sexual maturity of piangua Anadara similis in La Plata Archipelago, Bahía Málaga, Pacific coast of Colombia, was analyzed between September 2009 and August 2010. Sexual maturity of these organisms was studied at macroscopic level using fresh samples and at microscopic level using standard histological techniques. The mean density was estimated in 0.130 ± 0.098 ind/m² and the mean size was 42.30 ± 5.00 mm. Months with the presence of the highest densities of piangua were May (0.295 ind/m²) and August (0.195 ind/m²). The mean sexual maturity size was estimated in 41.8 ± 4.5 mm, while the size at which at least 50% of the population of A. similis have had its first spawn was estimated in 41 mm. Reproductive activity of the species was present year-round with higher peaks in March (83.33%) and April (75.00%). 4.30% of organisms analyzed showed signs of hermaphroditism, being this the first record of this kind for the species. Higher density, larger mean size, higher meat yield in females as well as the presence of more female reproductive tissue, suggest a process of sexual reversion in the species, which have to be further studied. Low capture and sexual maturity sizes, as well as the low density of organisms found during the present work, might be the product of high fishery pressure, habitat modifications, and pollution processes in the area, factors that have to be studied in detail in order to implement management strategies for the species.

CHECKLIST OF FISH LARVAE RECORDED IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN

Se presenta el listado taxonómico de los estadios larvales de especies de peces registrados para el Caribe colombiano producto de una extensa revisión bibliográfica de los trabajos realizados en el tema. Se encontraron registros de 85 familias incluidas en 21 órdenes, con un total de 129 especies. A nivel de composición, el orden Perciformes presentó el mayor número de familias (41), géneros (66) y especies (46). Las familias Carangidae y Exocoetidae presentaron la mayor riqueza. En términos de distribución, se evidenció una mayor concentración de esfuerzos de muestreo en los departamentos de La Guajira, Magdalena y San Andrés y Providencia.

A taxonomic checklist of larval stages of fish species recorded in the Colombian Caribbean is presented, as a product of an extensive literature review of studies on the topic. Eighty five family records included in 21 orders, with a total of 129 species were found. In terms of composition, the order Perciformes has shown the highest number of families (41), genera (66) and species (46). The families Carangidae and Exocoetidae were the richest. In terms of distribution, it was evident a bigger sampling effort in La Guajira, Magdalena and San Andrés y Providencia provinces.

**MICROANATOMY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF ENTEROCTOPUS MEGALOCYATHUS (CEPHALOPODA, OCTOPODA) OF THE SOUTHWEST ATLANTIC**

A detailed description of the microanatomy of the digestive system of Enteroctopus megalocyathus is given, and this revealed some differences between this octopod species and other species of Octopodidae previously described. These differences are mainly related to tissues lining the lumen of digestive organs. Unlike descriptions in some octopods mucosa, in E. megalocyathus a pseudostratified epithelium is found covering the lumen of oesophagus, crop, stomach, intestine and caecum. Another major finding is that in the posterior salivary glands, two cell types are present in the same tubular adenomere; they do not constitute independent glandular tubules with only one type of glandular cells. The tubules of these glands are lined by two distinct epithelial cells, distributed from the distal to the proximal zones: type A, in the proximal zone of the glandular tubule, with cylindrical cells and globular mucous cells; and type B in the distal zone, cylindrical, with a weakly eosinophilic cytoplasm. The secretion of the cells was detected applying PAS and alcian blue at different pH. In the octopuses maintained without food in the aquarium for two days, histological structure of the epithelium of the caecum, intestine and digestive gland showed histological changes specially related with the mucosa. Taken together, the results allow to set the histological structure of the digestive tract of E. megalocyathus in their natural habitat and to provide preliminary evidence that this system responds rapidly (~2 days) to food deprivation, and give baseline data for future studies investigating the impact of environmental changes on the gut.

Se presenta la descripción de la anatomía microscópica del sistema digestivo de Enteroctopus megalocyathus, observándose algunas diferencias entre este octópodo, y otras especies de Octopodidae descritas previamente. Estas diferencias están principalmente relacionadas con los tejidos que revisten el lumen de los órganos digestivos. Contrariamente a las descripciones de la mucosa de algunos octópodos, en E. megalocyathus el lumen del esófago, buche, estómago, intestino y ciego está revestido por un epitelio pseudoestratificado. Otro hallazgo notable es que en las glándulas salivales posteriores están presentes dos tipos celulares en el mismo adenómero tubular: las del tipo A, en la zona proximal del túbulo glandular, con células cilíndricas y células mucosas globulares; y las de tipo B en la zona distal, cilíndricas con citoplasma débilmente eosinofílico. La secreción de estas células se detectó con las técnicas de PAS y alcian blue a distintos pH. En los pulpos mantenidos sin alimento en el acuario durante dos días, la estructura histológica del epitelio del ciego, intestino y de la glándula digestiva mostró cambios histológicos con respecto a los de la mucosa de los pulpos procesados inmediatamente luego de su captura. En conjunto, estos resultados permitieron caracterizar histológicamente los órganos del sistema digestivo de E. megalocyathus en su hábitat natural y establecer observaciones preliminares respecto de la respuesta rápida (~2 días) a la privación de alimento, y brindó datos de base para futuros estudios que investiguen el impacto de cambios ambientales en el tracto digestivo.

**MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MUNIDA SPECIES (CRUSTACEA: ANOMURA: MUNIDIDAE) FROM THE ATLANTIC AND THE TROPICAL EASTERN PACIFIC OCEANS**

El género Munida es uno de los más diversos en especies de la superfamilia Galatheoidea, y uno de los crustáceos decápodos más diversos y abundantes en la plataforma y talud superior del Caribe y Pacífico colombianos. El estudio morfológico de las especies del género evidenció problemas taxonómicos debidos principalmente a la no consideración de la correspondencia topológica de algunos de los caracteres diagnósticos de las especies, la confusión en su nomenclatura y la pobreza de muchas de las descripciones existentes. En este trabajo se propone una estandarización de la nomenclatura de los diferentes caracteres morfológicos externos basada en su correspondencia topológica en la mayoría de las especies de Munida presentes en el Atlántico y Pacífico oriental tropical.

The genus Munida is one of the most diverse within the superfamily Galatheoidea. This genus also represents one of the richest and most abundant decapod crustaceans from the continental shelves and upper slopes of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Colombia. A morphological study of species of this genus showed taxonomic difficulties mainly due to the lack of topological correspondence of some of the diagnostic characters, confusion in the nomenclature and poor or incomplete descriptions of some species. The majority of the species belonging to the genus Munida found in the tropical Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans were analyzed. Based on the topological correspondence of several external morphological characters of the examined species, a standardization of the nomenclature of the diagnostic characters for species identification is proposed.

REGULATORY CONFLICTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMMUNITIES (INDIGENOUS AND AFRO) PROPERTY RIGHTS IN FOREST AREAS, COLOMBIAN COASTAL ZONE

La puesta en marcha de la estrategia de las Naciones Unidas de "Reducción de emisiones por deforestación y degradación forestal evitada (REDD)" como medida de mitigación a los efectos del cambio climático en áreas de bosques de Colombia, encuentra soporte para su implementación en los convenios internacionales de los cuales el país hace parte. Algunos pasos de la metodología aplicable en proyectos REDD presenta conflicto con el marco jurídico vigente en Colombia, referido a la propiedad colectiva de las comunidades indígenas y afro que habitan o hacen uso de los bienes y servicios ambientales de los bosques que interesan a procesos REDD. Se concluye que la jurisprudencia sobre aspectos costeros respecto a la de aprovechamiento de recursos forestales es limitada en Colombia y se requiere enfatizar en líneas de investigación que soporten la implementación de futuros instrumentos económicos para el uso de la diversidad biológica sin afectación sobre los derechos de propiedad de las comunidades.

The implementation of the United Nations strategy for "Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD)" as a mitigation measure to the effects of climate change on forest areas of Colombia, finds support for implementation of international conventions of which the country is part. The methodology applied in REDD projects has conflicts with current regulatory framework, related to the collective ownership of indigenous and afro communities. This paper focus on communities property rights vs. potential REDD forests and their good and environmental services. Conclusions show that the law on coastal areas against forest resource use is limited in Colombia and requires to improve scientific research on normative and regulatory processes focus on economic instruments for biodiversity uses, in order to reduce or take into account the impacts on communities property rights.

**NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY OF THE COLOMBIAN LEAFTOED GECKO (PHYLLODACTYLUS TRANSVERSALIS), ENDEMIC TO MALPELO ISLAND**

The Colombian leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus transversalis) is the least known reptile species of Malpelo Island (Eastern Tropical Pacific). In the 37 years since its original description, no single study strictly dedicated to this species has been conducted. With the goal of providing information on the ecology and population size of this gecko, data collected during two visits to the island are presented. Behavior and reproduction were studied by following individuals during the night and by searching for hidden individuals and eggs during the day. Population's density and habitat preferences were estimated by classifying the island's surfaces into four types and counting geckos inside those habitats within band transects. General morphological measurements of geckos were performed as reference points for future comparisons. Phyllodactylus transversalis lays its eggs in narrow crevices of rocks, apparently communally. Reproduction seems to take place during most of the year, probably associated with the peak breeding season of seabirds. Although conspecifics shared shelters during the day, densities during the night suggest no apparent habitat preference for foraging. Population size of this species was estimated at approximately 114000 individuals.

El geco de Malpelo (Phyllodactylus transversalis) es la especie de reptil menos conocida de esa isla (Pacífico Oriental Tropical). Después de 37 años de su descripción original, ningún estudio, estrictamente dedicado a esta especie ha sido realizado. Con el propósito de suministrar información sobre la ecología y reproducción de este geco, se presentan datos colectados durante dos visitas a Malpelo. El comportamiento y la reproducción fueron estudiados siguiendo individuos durante la noche, y buscando huevos e individuos escondidos durante el día. La densidad poblacional y la preferencia de hábitat fueron estimadas clasificando las superficies de la isla en cuatro hábitats y contando los gecos al interior de esos hábitats, usando transectos de banda. Medidas morfológicas generales de los gecos fueron tomadas, como punto de referencia para comparaciones futuras. Phyllodactylus transversalis pone sus huevos en grietas estrechas de las rocas, aparentemente en forma comunal. La reproducción parece tener lugar durante la mayor parte del año, probablemente sincronizada con la época reproductiva mayor de las aves marinas. Aunque los refugios fueron compartidos entre gecos durante el día, las densidades estimadas durante la noche sugieren que no hay una preferencia de hábitat aparente para el forrajeo. El tamaño de la población de esta especie es cercano a 114000 individuos.

SEASONAL PATTERNS OF WATER MASSES DISTRIBUTION IN SANTA MARTA BAY, COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN: RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF UPWELLING AND OUTWELLING

Con el propósito de generar un modelo conceptual de distribución estacional de masas de agua para la bahía de Santa Marta, se identificaron a lo largo del ciclo anual los patrones de las principales variables bióticas y abióticas relacionadas con la calidad de sus aguas. El modelo propuesto revela la gran influencia que ejerce la descarga de aguas residuales domésticas durante los períodos lluviosos (outwelling). Estas entradas explican la reducción de la transparencia del agua, el oxígeno disuelto y al mismo tiempo el aumento en la concentración de fosfatos y clorofila a. Si bien no hay estratificación a nivel de distribución vertical de nutrientes, existen diferencias en la distribución de la energía lumínica y consecuentemente la producción primaria se presenta principalmente en la superficie de la columna de agua. El modelo señala que las descargas del emisario submarino constituyen un aporte importante de nutrientes y postula como hipótesis que dichas descargas intensificarán el efecto de fertilización de la surgencia (upwelling) en la primera mitad del año, con un efecto bajo en la época de outwelling debido a la estratificación de la columna de agua.

In order to generate a conceptual model of seasonal distribution of water masses to Santa Marta bay, we identify, from main biotic and abiotic variables related to its water quality, patterns along the annual cycle. The model shows the major influence of the domestic residual water discharges during the rainy seasons (outwelling). These discharges explains the reduction of dissolved oxygen and water transparency and at the same times the increase of phosphorus and chlorophyll a concentrations. Although there is not stratification in the vertical nutrient distribution, there are differences in light distribution and consequently the primary productivity takes place mainly in the water column surface. The model shows that the outfall constitutes an important nutrient input and postulates as a hypothesis that the discharges will intensify the upwelling fertilization effect during the first half of the year, with low impact during the outwelling season due to water stratification.

DIVERSITY OF MARINE INVERTEBRATES ASSOCIATED TO GAS PLATFORMS IN LA GUAJIRA (COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN SEA)

El desarrollo industrial y económico de Colombia se ha expandido en la búsqueda de nuevos recursos minerales hacia los límites del mar territorial. La prospección y construcción de infraestructuras en el mar plantean nuevos retos para el desarrollo sostenible del país. Este estudio de línea base se realizó con el fin de conocer las especies de invertebrados marinos que se han establecido sobre las únicas plataformas permanentes para la explotación de gas ubicadas mar afuera en La Guajira, al norte del Caribe colombiano: plataformas A y B, construidas sobre fondos de 18 y 33 m de profundidad, respectivamente. Por medio de buceo autónomo Scuba, se recolectaron e identificaron 116 especies de invertebrados marinos. Los crustáceos presentaron la mayor riqueza de especies (50 especies), con el infraorden Brachyura como el mejor representado con 10 familias y acumulando 44% de las especies. Los moluscos comprendieron el segundo grupo con 29 especies, seguidos de anélidos con 14, esponjas con 12, cnidarios con 7 y finalmente equinodermos con 4. Los organismos sésiles filtradores dominaron en número de individuos, mientras las formas móviles presentaron un mayor número de especies. Los balanos (Balanus spp.), el octocoral Carijoa riisei y las esponjas fueron los principales constituyentes de la fauna fouling asociada a las estructuras. Aunque no existen estudios previos para el área de estudio ni para el Caribe sur, se considera que la comunidad de invertebrados marinos que ha colonizado las estructuras de las plataformas de gas de La Guajira exhibe una alta riqueza de especies e individuos asociados.

The industrial and economic development of Colombia has expanded its limits towards the territorial sea in the search for new resources. The prospection and construction of infrastructures in the sea challenge new alternatives for the sustainable development of the country. The main goal of this study was to build a baseline inventory of the marine invertebrates associated to two gas platforms located offshore in La Guajira, at the northeastern Colombian Caribbean Sea: platforms A and B, sitting on sandy bottoms at 18 and 33 m depth, respectively. This inventory includes a total of 116 species of marine invertebrates that were collected by Scuba diving. Crustaceans had the greatest richness with 50 species, from which the infraorder Brachyura was the best represented with 10 families including approximately 44% of species. Mollusks comprised the second largest group with 29 species, followed by annelids with 14 species, sponges with 12 species, cnidarians with 7 species, and finally echinoderms with 4 species. Filter-feeding and sessile organisms dominated in abundance, while mobile species showed a larger number of species. The barnacles complex (Balanus spp.), the octocoral Carijoa riisei and sponges were the main components of the fouling fauna on the structures. Although there are no previous studies for the study area and the southern Caribbean, it is considered that the invertebrates community associated to gas platforms in La Guajira exhibit both high species richness and a large abundance of organisms.

**FIRST RECORD OF THE JELLYFISH OF THE GENUS LYCHNORHIZA (CNIDARIA: SCYPHOZOA: RHIZOSTOMEAE: LYCHNORHIZIDAE) IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN**

This paper reports for the first time in Colombia the jellyfish Lychnorhiza sp., aff. L. lucerna, based on seventeen individuals collected in front of Isla de Rosario (Magdalena). This jellyfish is one of the most common inhabitants in coastal waters from southeastern Brazil to northern Argentina, but it was not recorded yet from the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

**FIRST RECORD OF THE JELLYFISH OF THE GENUS LYCHNORHIZA (CNIDARIA: SCYPHOZOA: RHIZOSTOMEAE: LYCHNORHIZIDAE) IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN**

This paper reports the detection of Pseudothyone belli on submerged hard substrates at three sites in Santa Marta during port surveys conducted in March and October 2010. Owing to its high adaptive and competitive capability, it appears likely that the species has established itself in the Colombian Caribbean.

THE MARINE ENVIRONMENTS ON THE SHALLOW SHELF OF LA GUAJIRA, COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN

A brief description of seven benthic environments found in La Guajira's shallow continental shelf from Boca de Camarones to Cabo de la Vela between 3 to 20 m depth is presented. Cover percentage of main benthic components, organic matter proportion in sediment, and main organisms observed in each environment are listed. The dominant environment was "arenal" (sandy bottom) covering 47% of total area sampled, whereas most species were observed in the environments "fondo mixto" (mixed bottom), "cascajo compuesto" (composed gravel) and "corales y esponjas sobre cascajo" (corals and sponges on gravel).

**A RECORD OF AN ADULT WARSAW GROUPER, HYPORTHODUS NIGRITUS (PERCIFORMES: EPHINEPHELIDAE), IN A DEEP REEF OF THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN**

The Warsaw grouper (Hyporthodus nigritus) has been reported from the western Atlantic between Massachusetts (United States) and Mexico, including a few South American reports to Brasil. In Colombia a juvenile specimen was reported from nearby Cartagena in 2003. Herein, we report an adult fish caught near to deep-water reefs in the Golfo de Morrosquillo, Colombian Caribbean.

THE CLASS CAUDOFOVEATA (MOLLUSCA) IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN SEA

Five classes of marine mollusks, including Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Cephalopoda, Scaphopoda, and Polyplacophora, have been recorded inhabiting the Colombian Caribbean Sea. Other classes with a basal position within the phylum such as Caudofoveata and Solenogastres have remained overlooked, as a result of their body shape (worm-like with no shell), small sizes (Caudofoveata 1.5 to 140 mm length), and limited taxonomic information for identifications. The presence of Caudofoveata species on the continental margin of the Colombian Caribbean Sea was evidenced through several studies conducted by Invemar between 2007 and 2012. Samples were collected from localities between Gulf of Morrosquillo and La Guajira, in a bathymetrical range from 3 to 1010 m depth. These novel outcomes suggest that Caudofoveata specimens are more common in the marine fauna inhabiting soft bottoms than previously thought.