Comparative analysis of three bait types in deep-set pelagic longline gear in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean / Análise comparativa de três diferentes tipos de isca utilizados noespinhel pelágico de profundidade no Oceano Atlântico Equatorial

The choice of bait is one of the fisheries tactics used to increase selectivity for particular target species. The performance of three bait types (mackerel, sardine, squid) was evaluated with a commercial vessel operating in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean using the deep-set pelagic longline deployment method to target large yellowfin and bigeye tunas. The effect of different factors and covariates on the Capture per Effort Unit - CPUE was evaluated through Generalized Linear Models (GLM). In 121 experimental sets using three bait types, 2385 individuals of the two target species were captured, 1166 yellowfin tuna and 1219 bigeye tuna. The results suggest a preference between bait types for each target species, with the yellowfin tuna being mostly caught by the hooks using squid and bigeye tuna with fish bait mackerel. Stratifying the results for three depth ranges of the hooks, the combination of bait and depth for yellowfin tuna resulted in an increase of catch probability in the intermediary depth layer using mackerel. For bigeye tuna, using mackerel in the intermediary layer resulted in a reduction in the catch rate. Bycatch represented around 11.15% of total captures. These results will provide important information to choosing the most efficient bait for the pelagic longline fishing operation and will help future decisions of fisheries management.

A escolha da isca é uma das estratégias utilizadas para aumentar a seletividade para espécies-alvo com espinhel pelágico. O desempenho de três tipos de isca (cavala, sardinha e lula) foi avaliado em um barco de pesca comercial, operando no Oceano Atlântico Equatorial usando o espinhel pelágico de profundidade para captura de tunídeos. O efeito de diferentes fatores e covariáveis sobre a Captura por Unidade de Esforço - CPUE das espécies-alvo foi avaliado por meio de Modelos Lineares Generalizados (GLM). Em 121 lances de espinhel usando os três tipos de isca, foram capturados 2385 indivíduos das espécies-alvo de atum, 1166 albacora laje e 1219 albacora bandolim. Os resultados sugerem uma preferência entre os tipos de isca para cada espécie-alvo. Com a albacora laje sendo principalmente capturada pelos anzóis utilizando lula e a albacora bandolim pelos anzóis utilizando com isca de cavala e sardinhas. As capturas acidentais representaram em torno de 11,15%. A combinação de isca e profundidade para albacora laje resultou em um aumento de captura utilizando cavala em profundidade intermediária. No caso da albacora bandolim resultou em uma redução de captura utilizando cavala em profundidades intermediarias. Esses resultados fornecerão informações importantes para a escolha da isca mais eficiente para a operação de pesca com espinhel pelágico de profundidade e auxiliarão nas decisões futuras de gestão pesqueira.

First record and a new species of Foxiphalus Barnard, 1979 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Phoxocephalidae) from the Atlantic Ocean, with two new records of the family from northeastern Brazil

A new species of Foxiphalus Barnard, 1979 is described. The material examined was collected as part of the project "Avaliação da biota bentônica e planctônica da Bacia Potiguar e Ceará" (BPOT), off northeastern Brazilian continental slope on the state of Rio Grande do Norte at depths ranging from 135 to 283 meters. Foxiphalus potiguara sp. nov. is recognized among its congeners by: rostrum slightly exceeding the article 2 of antenna 1; lower lip outer lobes with strong shoulder cusps; maxilliped inner plate with two apical robust setae; gnathopod 2 carpus shortened; pereopod 5 basis tapering distally; and epimeral plate 3 posterior margin weakly crenulated. This is the first record of Foxiphalus for the Atlantic Ocean and we provide an amended diagnosis of the genus and an identification key to its world species. In addition, two new records of Phoxocephalidae are reported from northeastern Brazil: Heterophoxus shoemakeri Andrade & Senna, 2020 and Metharpinia dentiurosoma Alonso de Pina, 2003.

New records of Monogenoidea (Platyhelminthes) from three marine fish species from the coast of Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

During a survey of helminth parasites, five monogenoid species were reported from marine fishes from the coast of Angra dos Reis, littoral of Rio de Janeiro State, Atlantic Ocean. A total of 810 monogenoids were collected: Pseudotagia pomadasys Hernández-Vale, Bunkley-Williams & Williams Jr, 2016, Pseudoeurysorchis travassosi Caballero & Bravo-Hollis, 1962 in Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (Steindachner, 1868) (=Pomadasys corvinaeformis), Neodiplectanum mexicanum (Mendoza-Franco, Roche & Torchin, 2008) Domingues, Diamanka & Pariselle, 2011 and Aristocleidus hastatus Mueller, 1936 in Diapterus rhombeus (Cuvier, 1829) and Acanthocercodes bullardi Kritsky & Diggles, 2015 in Polydactylus virginicus (Linnaeus, 1758). The presence of P. pomadasys, P. travassosi and A. hastatus in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean represents a new geographical distribution for these species. Haemulopsis corvinaeformis represents a new host record for P. travassosi and A. bullardi is reported in the present paper for the first time parasitizing the gills of a polynemid in South Atlantic Ocean. The findings show that they belong to species previously recorded from the same or congeneric hosts from Central America and Mexico, representing new data on hosts and geographical records.(AU)

Echinoderms from Santa Catarina, southern Brazil: an update on biodiversity and distribution

We provide an update, based on literature records, on biodiversity and distribution of echinoderms along the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Sixty-one echinoderms taxa are reported, in 36 families. We present information on habitat distribution, taxonomy and possible threats to these species. The highest number of echinoderm records was between 25°19'S and 28°11'S latitudes, and sites of the Continental Shelf and the Reserva Biológica Marinha of Arvoredo area had the most species records (30 and 26 species, respectively). In addition, Santa Catarina is the southernmost record, in the Atlantic Ocean, for 40 echinoderm species; of these, 10 are on the regional list of endangered species. Eight species are endemic to Brazil and one ophiuroid species was reported herein for the first time at Santa Catarina: Ophiacantha pentacrinus Lütken, 1869.(AU)

Recent dispersal and diversification within the clingfish genus Acyrtus (Actinopterygii: Gobiesocidae), with the description of a new western Atlantic species

The genus Acyrtus (Gobiesocidae) is represented by four valid species distributed in the western Atlantic, and a recently described fifth species from the eastern Pacific. Here, we describe a new species endemic to Trindade Island, Brazil, and provide the first phylogenetic inference for the genus including all representatives. The new species can be distinguished from all its congeners by meristic and morphometric characters, as well as genetic differences. It presents low genetic diversity and, contrarily to other Trindade Island endemic fishes, shows no evidence of recent population growth. Our phylogeny reveals cryptic species and the paraphyletic nature of Acyrtus, which included Arcos nudus (western Atlantic) in a clade that separated from Arcos erythrops (tropical eastern Pacific) around 20 Mya. The three species found in the Brazilian Province, including one that remains undescribed, form a monophyletic clade which colonized the western South Atlantic around 2.6 Mya. Our study suggests that Arcos nudus should be placed in Acyrtus, and that the relationships among the closely-related Gobiesocidae genera Acyrtus (mostly from the Atlantic Ocean) and Arcos (from the Pacific Ocean) need further investigation.(AU)

O gênero Acyrtus (Gobiesocidae) é representado por quatro espécies válidas encontradas no Atlântico ocidental e uma recentemente descrita do Pacífico oriental. Aqui descrevemos uma nova espécie endêmica da Ilha da Trindade, Brasil, e apresentamos a primeira inferência filogenética para o gênero incluindo todos os representantes. A nova espécie pode ser distinguida de suas congêneres por caracteres merísticos e morfométricos, bem como por diferenças genéticas. A espécie apresenta baixa diversidade genética, entretanto, diferentemente de outras espécies endêmicas da Ilha da Trindade, não mostra evidência de expansão populacional recente. A filogenia obtida revelou a existência de espécies crípticas e a natureza parafilética de Acyrtus, o qual inclui Arcos nudus (do Atlântico ocidental), e que é separado de Arcos erythrops (do Pacifico tropical oriental) por cerca de 20 milhões de anos. As três espécies encontradas no Brasil, incluindo uma ainda não descrita, formam um clado monofilético que colonizou o Atlântico Sul ocidental há cerca de 2,6 milhões de anos. Nosso estudo sugere que Arcos nudus deva ser alocado no gênero Acyrtus, e que as relações entre os gêneros Acyrtus (em maioria do Oceano Atlântico) e Arcos (do Oceano Pacífico) precisam ser estudadas em mais detalhes.(AU)

Rocky reef fish biodiversity and conservation in a Brazilian Hope Spot region

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.

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.

Taxonomy and diversity of hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) of Sergipe, Northeast Brazil

Despite the great advances in research on the taxonomy and ecology of hydroids of the Brazilian coast, those studies are concentrated in the Southeast and South regions of the country, leaving a gap in knowledge from the North and Northeast regions. Aiming to fill part of this gap, we studied the hydroids communities in the state of Sergipe, Northeast Brazil, in the continental shelf and in three estuarine regions. In the continental shelf, samplings with fishing trawls took place during the dry and rainy seasons of 1999-2003 (8 campaigns), from 18 stations distributed at depths of 10, 20, and 30 m. In the estuaries of the rivers Japaratuba, Sergipe and Vaza-Barris three ropes with six polyethylene plates were installed in each place and left submerged for three months in the dry and rainy periods of 2017. Seventy-nine hydroid species of 26 families were identified. Sixteen of these have been assigned to nine Anthoathecata families and the remaining 63 species to 17 Leptothecata families. Among the identified species, 60 are new records from Sergipe and among those, nine are also new records from the Northeast region and two from the Brazilian coast. Our results increase the hydroid records from Sergipe and extend the range of some species inside the Brazilian coast and the Atlantic Ocean, showing the potential for future studies in other environments of the Sergipe coast.

Sea slugs (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) from Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil

Heterobranch sea slugs (Gastropoda) present reduction, internalization, or absence of shell, and include more than 6,000 described species. Approximately 250 species are recorded from Brazil but only 14 had been previously recorded from Rio Grande do Norte, on the Brazilian northeastern coast. As a result of different expeditions conducted between 2008 and 2020, species were collected and identified. Among them, five species were recorded for the first time from the South Atlantic Ocean: Chelidonura hirundinina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833); Sclerodoris prea (Ev. Marcus & Er. Marcus, 1967); Thuridilla malaquita Ortea & Buske, 2014; Berthella nebula Ghanimi, Schrödl, Goddard, Ballesteros, Gosliner & Valdés, 2020 and Berthella vialactea Ghanimi, Schrödl, Goddard, Ballesteros, Gosliner & Valdés, 2020. Thirty-six species are recorded for the first time from Rio Grande do Norte. The present survey expands the knowledge of the diversity of sea slugs from Brazil and supports the hypothesis of similarity between the heterobranch sea slug fauna from the northeastern Brazil and the Caribbean Sea.(AU)

Age and growth of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the western equatorial Atlantic based on dorsal spines analysis / Idade e crescimento do bonito-listrado (Katsuwonus pelamis) no Atlântico Oeste Equatorial com base na análise dos espinhos dorsais

The skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is a migratory pelagic fish occurring in all tropical and subtropical oceans of the world. Due to its economic importance and the unbridled increase in fishing efforts, stocks may collapse if this resource is not managed properly. The present study aimed to estimate growth parameters from different growth models based on annual rings from the dorsal spines of skipjack tuna caught in the western equatorial Atlantic. The first dorsal spine of each individual was extracted to produce cross-sections with 0.6 to 0.8 mm in thickness. We used a multi-model approach to select the best growth model based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Two hundred seventy individuals were analyzed, with an average length of 49.58 ± 7.72 cm. The von Bertalanffy growth model had the best fit to the data, but the Gompertz and Logistic models also had essential support. Average asymptotic length (LL) was estimated to be 114.05 and 102.63 cm for observed and back-calculated data, respectively. The dorsal spines are indeed efficient tools for estimating growth parameters and multi-model inference is a novel approach for adjusting discrepancies that likely result from a single-model approach.

O bonito-listrado (Katsuwonus pelamis) é um peixe pelágico migratório que ocorre em todos os oceanos tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Devido à sua importância econômica e ao aumento desen-freado do esforço de pesca, os estoques podem entrar em colapso se este recurso não for manejado adequadamente. O presente estudo teve como objetivo estimar parâmetros de crescimento para di-ferentes modelos baseados nos anéis etários formados nos espinhos dorsais do bonito-listrado cap-turado no Atlântico Oeste Equatorial. O primeiro espinho dorsal de cada indivíduo foi extraído para produzir cortes transversais com 0,6 a 0,8 mm de espessura. Utilizamos uma abordagem de múltiplos modelos para selecionar o melhor modelo de crescimento com base no critério de informação de Akaike (AIC). Foram analisados 277 indivíduos, com comprimento médio de 49,58 ± 7,72 cm. O modelo de crescimento de von Bertalanffy teve o melhor ajuste aos dados, mas os modelos de Gompertz e Logístico também tiveram um suporte essencial. O comprimento assintótico médio (LL) foi estimado em 114,05 e 102,63 cm para dados observados e retrocalculados, respectivamente. Os espinhos dorsais são de fato ferramentas eficientes para estimativa dos parâmetros de crescimento e a inferência de multi-modelos é uma nova abordagem para ajustar as discrepâncias que provavelmente resultam de uma abordagem com base em um único modelo.

Knowledge connections for conservation of the Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara: records of tropical Brazilian coast

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper (AGG), Epinephelus itajara, the largest Epinephelidae in the Atlantic Ocean, it is classified as critically endangered in Brazil. In the Brazilian northeast, studies focusing on the species are still incipient. Here we study the occurrence, habitat use, and spatial distribution of AGG in Alagoas (Brazil) by combining participatory methods, such as Citizen Science and Local Ecological Knowledge. Living individuals represented 64% (n = 85) of the records, while dead individuals were 36% (n = 47), with 14 records from illegal captures. Juveniles are common in estuaries and shallow natural coastal reefs, while adults are distributed in deeper areas on natural and artificial reefs. The occurrence was significantly higher on Alagoas' southern coast. The São Francisco River (SFR) estuary stood out with 52 occurrences. We mapped 37 occurrence sites for AGG distributed along the coast, emphasising an artificial reef near SFR that received 12 reports about aggregations. The influence area of the SFR was indicated as a priority for species conservation due to the identification of a nursery and possible aggregations close to its mouth. We highlight the urgency of implementing short and long-term management actions along Alagoas' coast.

O mero, Epinephelus itajara, o maior Epinephelidae do Oceano Atlântico, está classificado como criticamente ameaçado no Brasil. No Nordeste brasileiro, os estudos voltados à esta espécie ainda são incipientes. Aqui estudamos a ocorrência, uso do habitat e distribuição espacial do mero em Alagoas (Brasil) combinando métodos participativos, como Ciência Cidadã e Conhecimento Ecológico Local. No total, os indivíduos vivos representaram 64% (n = 85) e os mortos 36% (n = 47), com 14 registros de capturas ilegais. Juvenis foram observados em estuários e em recifes naturais costeiros rasos, enquanto adultos grandes distribuíram-se em recifes naturais e artificiais em áreas mais profundas. A ocorrência foi significativamente maior no litoral sul de Alagoas. O estuário Rio São Francisco (RSF) se destacou com 52 ocorrências. Mapeamos 37 locais onde o mero ocorre, distribuídos ao longo do litoral, com destaque para um recife artificial localizado próximo ao RSF, que obteve 12 citações sobre agregações. Indicamos que a área de influência do RSF é prioritária para a conservação, em razão da identificação de um berçário e de possíveis agregações próximas a sua foz. Destacamos a urgência na aplicação de ações de gestão de curto e longo prazo em Alagoas.

Bycatch of Asteroidea from shrimp trawl fishery in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean ­ Brazil

Shrimp trawling is considered a significant negative impact on the marine ecosystem, especially on the benthic community. Sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) are one of the most affected groups by unintentional catches. This study was performed at the Santana Archipelago, a Marine Protected Area in the northern region of Rio de Janeiro State, between 2008-2009. Sea stars accidentally caught by trawling were collected during open and closed season of the shrimp fisheries (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) at depths of 5-60 m. A generalized linear zero-inflated model was applied to test for differences in capture between fishing seasons and depths. A total of 158 sea star specimens were captured. These specimens were identified as Asterina stellifera, Astropecten acutiradiatus, Astropecten brasiliensis, Astropecten cingulatus, Luidia alternata alternata, Luidia clathrata, Luidia ludwigi scotti, Luidia senegalensis. The sea stars A. brasiliensis and L. senegalensis are currently considered as vulnerable species in the Brazilian official list of threatened species. The higher capture of sea stars was shown in deepest areas, and there was no significant difference in the number of specimens between seasons. This is the first study about asteroids accidentally captured by shrimp trawling.(AU)

Hemiurid and lecithasterid digenean trematodes and camallanid and cucullanid nematodes parasitizing flounders collected off the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil / Trematodeos digeneticos hemiurideos e lecitasterideos e nematoides camalanideos e cuculanideos parasitando linguados coletados na costa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract A total of 132 flounder specimens (60 Paralichthys isosceles, 36 Paralichthys patagonicus and 36 Xystreurys rasile) were collected off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fish were measured, necropsied, and had their organs investigated for hemiurid and lecithasterid digenean trematodes and camallanid and cucullanid nematodes. Taxonomic identification of the parasites was based on morphological and morphometric characters and was conducted using bright-field and scanning electron microscopies. The trematodes Lecithochirium monticellii and Aponurus laguncula were found parasitizing P. isosceles, P. patagonicus and X. rasile while the nematodes Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) halitrophus and Cucullanus bonaerensis were found parasitizing P. isosceles and X. rasile and P. isosceles, P. patagonicus and X. rasile, respectively. Parasite indices of prevalence, mean intensity, mean abundance, and range of infection, as well as infection site, were evaluated for each parasite species. This study allowed to evidence the first occurrence of P. patagonicus by L. monticellii; X. rasile by A. laguncula and P. (S.) halitrophus; and P. isosceles and P. patagonicus by C. bonaerensis in the Western South Atlantic Ocean.

Resumo Um total de 132 espécimes de linguados (60 Paralichthys isosceles, 36 Paralichthys patagonicus e 36 Xystreurys rasile) foram coletados na costa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os peixes foram medidos, necropsiados e tiveram seus órgãos investigados para o encontro de trematodeos digenéticos, das famílias Hemiuridae e Lecithasteridae, e nematoides das famílias Camallanidae e Cucullanidae. A identificação taxonômica dos parasitos foi baseada nos caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos, usando-se as microscopias de campo claro e eletrônica de varredura. Os trematódeos, Lecithochirium monticellii e Aponurus laguncula, foram encontrados parasitando P. isosceles, P. patagonicus e X. rasile, enquanto os nematoides, Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) halitrophus e Cucullanus bonaerensis, foram encontrados parasitando P. isosceles e X. rasile e P. isosceles, P. patagonicus e X. rasile, respectivamente. Os índices parasitários de prevalência, intensidade média, abundância média e amplitude de variação da intensidade de infeção, bem como os sítios de infecção foram avaliados para cada espécie de parasito. Este é o primeiro registro de P. patagonicus por L. monticellii; X. rasile por A. laguncula e P. (S.) halitrophus; e de P. isosceles e P. patagonicus por C. bonaerensis no Oceano Atlântico Sul Ocidental.

First record of Salacia tetracythara Lamouroux, 1816 (Hydrozoa, Sertulariidae) as an alien hydroid for the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract We present here the first record of Salacia tetracythara as an alien species for the Atlantic Ocean, specifically the coast of the state of Sergipe, northeast Brazil. The species was found attached to an artificial experimental plate installed in the rainy period (July-October 2017), in an estuarine region of the Sergipe River near the Sergipe Harbour. Salacia tetracythara is characterized by a small triangular space below each hydrotheca and two types of microbasic mastigophore nematocysts that differ in shape, size, and location. The species was described from Australia and has been recorded only for tropical to temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific. Salacia tetracythara seems to be a recent introduction into the Atlantic Ocean and, its introduction probably derived from ship transport between the Sergipe Harbour and regions of Oceania and/or Asia. Further investigation should be conducted to determine whether the species is established in the region and how far inside the estuary it has gone.

First record of Cnidocodon leopoldi Bouillon, 1978 (Cnidaria: Anthoathecata) in the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Specimens of the hydromedusa Cnidocodon leopoldiBouillon, 1978 were collected in waters off the northeast Brazilian coast between 7.4°S, 34.3°W and 8.7°S, 34.8°W. The genus can be distinguished from other anthomedusae by the presence of four marginal perradial bulbs having an adaxial nematocyst cushion and branched capitate tentacles, an umbrella with scattered nematocysts, and gonads around a cylindrical manubrium shorter than the umbrella. Specimens were assigned to C. leopoldi due the tentacles with 4-5 branches and the absence of ocelli on tentacle bulbs differing from the congeneric Cnidocodon ocellataHuang, Xu, Lin & Qiu, 2008. This study represents the first record of the species in the Atlantic Ocean.

First record of Cnidocodon leopoldi Bouillon, 1978 (Cnidaria: Anthoathecata) in the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Specimens of the hydromedusa Cnidocodon leopoldiBouillon, 1978 were collected in waters off the northeast Brazilian coast between 7.4°S, 34.3°W and 8.7°S, 34.8°W. The genus can be distinguished from other anthomedusae by the presence of four marginal perradial bulbs having an adaxial nematocyst cushion and branched capitate tentacles, an umbrella with scattered nematocysts, and gonads around a cylindrical manubrium shorter than the umbrella. Specimens were assigned to C. leopoldi due the tentacles with 4-5 branches and the absence of ocelli on tentacle bulbs differing from the congeneric Cnidocodon ocellataHuang, Xu, Lin & Qiu, 2008. This study represents the first record of the species in the Atlantic Ocean.

A new species of Microcancilla from the southwestern Atlantic and notes on Microcancilla brasiliensis comb. nov. (Gastropoda, Cancellariidae)

Abstract Microcancilla phoenix sp. nov., collected from the Southeast and South coast of Brazil represents the southernmost record of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean. The new species differs from the other congeners of the Atlantic mainly by the presence of microscopic pustules covering the whole shell and by dimensions of the protoconch. Axelella brasiliensis Verhecken, 1991, known from the Northeast to South coast of Brazil, is transferred to Microcancilla based on a similar sculpture of microscopic pustules on the protoconch and on other features of the teleoconch discussed in the present study.

A new species of Microcancilla from the southwestern Atlantic and notes on Microcancilla brasiliensis comb. nov. (Gastropoda, Cancellariidae)

Abstract Microcancilla phoenix sp. nov., collected from the Southeast and South coast of Brazil represents the southernmost record of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean. The new species differs from the other congeners of the Atlantic mainly by the presence of microscopic pustules covering the whole shell and by dimensions of the protoconch. "Axelella brasiliensis" Verhecken, 1991, known from the Northeast to South coast of Brazil, is transferred to Microcancilla based on a similar sculpture of microscopic pustules on the protoconch and on other features of the teleoconch discussed in the present study.

Bat species composition associated with restinga lagoons from the Paulo César Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract Restingas are coastal ecosystems associated with the Atlantic Forest. They are threatened by habitat degradation and forest fragmentation due to intense human occupation. Many restingas have coastal lagoons formed by bay sedimentation of bays, the presence of river estuaries, or emerging groundwater. The distance between lagoons and the ocean influences the biotic community in them. This study aimed to compare the diversity (composition, abundance and richness) of bat communities associated with three lagoons within the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo state. Two lagoons (Feia and Vermelha lagoons) are 2 km away from the ocean, while the third (Caraís lagoon) is just a few meters distant from the ocean. Species composition did not differ among the lagoons. Abundance of Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina was higher in the Caraís lagoon. Abundance of Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus was higher in the Vermelha lagoon. Species with higher abundance in the Vermelha are usually associated with urban and disturbed environments. Vermelha lagoon is closer to human settlements and this could be a major driver of bat species abundance associated with this lagoon instead of distance from the ocean. These results may be used to guide conservations efforts in the restingas or habitats associated with restingas.

Bat species composition associated with restinga lagoons from the Paulo César Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract Restingas are coastal ecosystems associated with the Atlantic Forest. They are threatened by habitat degradation and forest fragmentation due to intense human occupation. Many restingas have coastal lagoons formed by bay sedimentation of bays, the presence of river estuaries, or emerging groundwater. The distance between lagoons and the ocean influences the biotic community in them. This study aimed to compare the diversity (composition, abundance and richness) of bat communities associated with three lagoons within the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo state. Two lagoons ('Feia' and 'Vermelha' lagoons) are 2 km away from the ocean, while the third ('Caraís' lagoon) is just a few meters distant from the ocean. Species composition did not differ among the lagoons. Abundance of Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina was higher in the 'Caraís' lagoon. Abundance of Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus was higher in the 'Vermelha' lagoon. Species with higher abundance in the 'Vermelha' are usually associated with urban and disturbed environments. 'Vermelha' lagoon is closer to human settlements and this could be a major driver of bat species abundance associated with this lagoon instead of distance from the ocean. These results may be used to guide conservations efforts in the restingas or habitats associated with restingas.

Record of the non-indigenous species Sternaspis aff. nana Zhadan, Tzetlin & Salazar-Vallejo, 2017 (Annelida: Sternaspidae) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean

Abstract The introduction of non-indigenous marine species in new habitats is generally associated with ships arriving at ports, driven by species transported in ballast water and sediment and biofouling communities on ship hulls, drifting object and underwater surfaces in dock areas. The present paper reports the record of the specie Sternaspis aff. nana in the Atlantic Ocean, discussing its possible conservation status and method of arrival to Brazil. Sediments samples were collected in the external area (11 m depth) of the Suape Harbor (Brazil) in February 2018. Two individuals of Sternaspis aff. nana were recorded, representing the first record of this species in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. The way S. aff. nana arrived in Brazilian waters cannot be easily determined, the short-lived lecithotrophic larvae of sternaspids suggest that the specimens found in Suape have arrived in ballast sediment. An increase in trade between Brazil and Asian countries since the 2000s has led to that more ships coming from China having arrived in Brazilian harbors. The arrival of S. aff. nana, originally described in the South China Sea, in the Suape harbor area may have resulted from this intense movement of ships between China and Brazil.