54,436 research outputs found
Pacifigorgia sculpta Breedy & Guzman, 2004, new species
No full textPacifigorgia sculpta, new species (Figs. 1 G–H, 5 A–C) Material examined. Holotype: UCR 1497, Islote Frailes, Península de Azuero, 10–30 m, H.M. Guzman, 9 December 2001. Paratypes: MCZ 57053, Islote Frailes, 10–30 m, H.M. Guzman, 9 December 2001; STRI 389–390, Isla Jicarita, Gulf of Chiriquí, 20 m, H.M. Guzman, 8 August 2002; STRI 410–412, Isla Seca Grande, Gulf of Chiriquí, 20 m, H.M. Guzman and O. Breedy, 26 August 2002; STRI 454, Isla Roncadores, Gulf of Chiriquí, 10–20 m, H.M. Guzman and O. Breedy, 30 August 2002; STRI 476, 482, 497, Bajo Foul, Península de Azuero, 15 m, H.M. Guzman, 11 April 2003; STRI 602, Islote Frailes, 20 m, H.M. Guzman, 1 May 2003; STRI 628, Roca Catedral, 5–15 m, H.M. Guzman, 3 May 2003; STRI 650, Bajo Brincanco, Gulf of Chiriquí, 10–30 m, H.M. Guzman, 5 May 2003; STRI 718, 721–722, 729 – 731, 734, Bajo Trollope, Gulf of Panama, 10–20 m, H.M. Guzman, 6 August 2003; UCR 1037, 1042, Islote Frailes, 10–20 m, H.M. Guzman, 6 August 2003; UCR 1171, 1173, 1175, 1177, 1179, 1181, 1183, 1505, Roca Niagara, Gulf of Panama, 10–20 m, H.M. Guzman, 13 December 2001; UCR 1361 –1365, 1506, Piedra Hacha, 20–30 m, H.M. Guzman, 22 April 2002; UCR 1498, Isla Jicarita, Gulf of Chiriquí, 20–30 m, H.M. Guzman, 19 April 2002; UCR 1499, 1501, 1508, Islote Frailes, 10–30 m, H.M. Guzman, 12 December 2001. Description. Colonies wider than high, up to 120 mm in height and 200 mm in width. Most of the colonies are composed of a single fan, but some have two or three secondary fans that radiate from different parts of the main fan and grow parallel. Colour when preserved or alive is dark orange or reddish brown with lighter hues at the tips, and light ochre when dry. Colonies have a large holdfasts, and fans grow directly from this or sprout from short stems (up to 7 mm in diameter). Network is irregular. Meshes are very open (about 2–3 meshes/cm ²), mostly elongate, up to 45 mm in length, and 25 mm in width. Mesh branches are squarish in section, from 3 mm thick at their base to 1 mm at their tips. No midribs cross the fans, just some thick branches (up to 6 mm in diameter) at the base that diminish and merge with the fan. Endbranchlets are long; up to 25 mm in length. Freetwigs are abundant, up to 15 mm in length; they stick out from the fans, twist and grow parallel as free branches. The polyps are retracted within domeshaped coenenchymal mounds, which are prominent and arranged mostly in pairs along the sides of the branches. In dry specimens, the lateral distribution of the calices is more evident, and bands of coenenchyme are clear between them. The polyps are yellowish with rods arranged in strong, thick points, with some untidily arranged intermediate rods. The anthocodial rods are long, colourless or pale yellow (up to 0.18 mm in length and 0.02 mm in width). The coenenchymal sclerites are very ornamented, and are mostly large spindles (up to 0.22 mm in length, and 0.06 mm in width) with up to 8 complete whorls of tubercles, and warty ends. They are redorange to pale yellow and bicoloured, and together with P. s e n t a, include the longest spindles found in the genus. Capstans are less abundant in the slide samples; they are scarcely ornate, with only short tubercles. Holotype. The holotype (Fig. 1 G) is a single fan, 100 mm in height and 135 mm in width. Part of the holdfast was left behind when the specimen was collected. The preserved colony is reddish brown colony. Mesh branches are thick, about 2 mm in diameter. Numerous free twigs radiate from the fan as free branchlets. Endbranchlets reach 12 mm. Coenenchymal sclerites are redorange, pale yellow and bicoloured. They are mostly large spindles (up to 0.18 mm in length, and 0.06 mm in width) with 4–8 complete whorls of delicately sculpted tubercles, and with elongated warty ends, blunt, or acute (Fig. 5 A). There are also small, pale yellow capstans (up to 0.05 mm in length and 0.03 mm in width), and larger ones (up to 0.08 mm in length by 0.04 mm in width) with short, moderately warty tubercles (Fig. 5 B). Anthocodial sclerites are pale yellow. They are thin, long rods (up to 0.17 mm in length and 0.02 mm in width) with dentate margins and have acute, small warts, concentrated at the ends (Fig. 5 C). Remarks. This species is very similar to P. s e n t a, however, P. senta attains a larger size, the mesh branches are thinner, the meshwork finer (up to 23 mm long), and the colony has a more delicate appearance in comparison to the more robust P. sculpta. Dry specimens of P. s e n t a are brittle and the sclerites fall off easily, which is not the case in dry specimens of P. sculpta. Sclerites in both species are the largest recorded for the genus. Spindles in P. s e n t a and in P. sculpta reach the same size (up to 0.22 mm in length, and 0.06 mm in width), however, in P. s e n t a, the spindles have more whorls of tubercles (up to 10) than in P. sculpta (up to 8); thus sclerites of the latter have larger spaces between the whorls (and very warty tubercles). Capstans of both species are of similar shapes, but smaller sizes are reported for P. s e n t a (up to 0.06 mm in length) (Breedy & Guzman 2003 b). The colour of coenenchymal sclerites is definitely different. In all of the specimens of P. sculpta examined, two layers of differently coloured sclerites are clearly defined: reddishorange sclerites in the inner coenenchyme and pale yellow on the surface. In P. s e n t a, on the other hand, all sclerites are of the same colour; brownish pink to colourless. Anthocodial rods are also different, being shorter (up to 0.14 mm in length) and less spiny in P. s e n t a. We have found P. s c u l p t a at several localities in the Gulf of Chiriquí, and also from two sites in the Gulf of Panama, down to 30 m in depth. Breedy & Guzman (2003 b) pointed out that Stiasny (1943) dealt with a species from Isla del Rey, Gulf of Panama, sent to him by Hickson, which agrees with P. senta. Therefore, it was expected that P. s e n t a would be found to occur in Panama. Pacifigorgia senta has been collected from deeper waters, down to 40 m in Costa Rica. In recent collections made by dredging 35–60 m in depth, in Panamá, specimens of P. senta were indeed found, thus the occurrence of P. s e n t a is herein reported and confirmed. Curiously, both P. senta and P. sculpta, were collected together in the same dredge, what indicates that they may occur together. Habitat. Found from 10–40 m in depth, on vertical basaltic walls, living together with large P. e x i m i a colonies and many other octocorals. Though abundant in some places, this species is never the dominant species. Etymology. An adjective (L), sculptus = carved, in allusion to the ornamentation of the spindles. Distribution. Found widely distributed along Gulf of Panama, Gulf of Chiriquí, and Península de Azuero.Published as part of Breedy, Odalisca & Guzman, Hector M., 2004, New species of the gorgoniian genus Pacifigorgia (Coelenterata: Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae) from Pacific Panama, pp. 1-15 in Zootaxa 541 on pages 12-14, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15770
Leptogorgia cofrini Breedy & Guzman, 2005, sp. nov.
No full textLeptogorgia cofrini, sp. nov. (Figs. 1–6) Material examined. Holotype: UCR 398 A, preserved, Islas Tortugas, Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica, 1.5 m, J. Cortés, 18 July 1985. Paratypes: MCZ 62065, 2 specimens, preserved, Isla Tolinga, Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica, 2 m, O. Breedy, 21 August 2000; UCR 398 B, as the holotype; UCR 1048, dry, Isla Canal Afuera, Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama, 3–5 m, H.M. Guzman, 10 December 2001; UCR 1319, dry, Islote, Gulf of Chiriquí, down to 11 m, H.M. Guzman, 20 April 2002; UCR 1401, 2 specimens, dry, Islote Frijol, Gulf of Chiriquí, 1–15 m, H.M. Guzman, 24 April 2002; UCR 1446, dry, Isla Otoque, Gulf of Panama, Panama, 1–5 m, H. M. Guzman, 9 May 2002; UCR 1519, 3 specimens, UCR 1532, preserved, Cabo Matapalito, Península de Osa, Costa Rica, 10 m, O. Breedy, 12 March 2004; UCR 1521, 2 specimens, preserved, Isla Jicarita SW, Gulf of Chiriqui, 15–20 m, H.M. Guzman, 19 April 2002; UCR 1522, preserved, Isla Barca, Gulf of Chiriqui, 3–9 m, H.M. Guzman, 18 April 2002; UCR 1526, preserved, eastern Islas Negritos, Gulf of Nicoya, 11 m, O. Breedy, 21 November 2002; UCR 1529, 9 specimens, preserved, western Islas Negritos, 11 m, O. Breedy, 21 November 2002; UCR 1531, 3 specimens, preserved, Archipiélago Murciélago, Costa Rica, 3–18 m, O. Breedy, 2 December 2003; UCR 1533, preserved, Bahía Salinas, Costa Rica, 10 m, O. Breedy, 9 July 2002; UCR 1569, 5 specimens, preserved, Roca Prosper, Gulf of Chiriquí, 3–15 m, H.M. Guzman, 11 December 2002; UCR 1570, 3 specimens, preserved, Cabeza de Mono, Bahía Culebra, Costa Rica, 9 m, E. Ruiz, 24 May 1997; UCR 1571, preserved, Cabeza de Mono, 10 m, O. Breedy, 27 June 1997; UCR 1572, 3 specimens, preserved, Archipiélago Murciélago, 15 m, O. Breedy, 16 October 1999; UCR 1573, 2 specimens, preserved, Isla del Caño, Costa Rica, 20 m, O. Breedy, 13 September 1996. Diagnosis. Dwarf, white colonies, up to 7 cm in length, and 5 cm in width. Axis cylindrical. Growth form upright, branching abundant, and bushy, with a single stem reaching up to 3 mm in height before branching, or multiple stems (up to 4). Anastomosis absent. Polyps sparsely placed all around branches, fully retractile. Sclerites colourless, and mostly capstans up to 0.09 mm in length, spindles few and up to 0.12 mm in length, and long anthocodial rods up to 0.14 mm in length. Description. The holotype is a small, bushy, white colony 3.4 cm in height and 3.0 cm in width, arising from a laminar holdfast covered by coenenchyme but devoid of polyps (Fig. 1 B). When it was alive, the holdfast spread over a rocky substrate, and other colonies were growing in close proximity (Fig. 1 A). There are three main stems arising from a small holdfast producing profuse irregular branching in many directions. The main stems are 1.5–2.0 mm in diameter, and the terminal twigs about 1.0 mm. Terminal twigs are pointed, up to 15 mm in length, and curved at the ends. Polyps are colourless, and are sparsely distributed on all sides, fully retractile into the coenenchyme, which is almost flat around the apertures (Fig. 1 B–C). Sclerites of the coenenchyme are colourless (Fig. 1 D). The few longer ones are tuberculate spindles, some slightly curved, up to 0.12 mm in length and 0.04 mm in width, with warts in girdles. The shorter ones are blunt tuberculate capstans, 0.09 mm in length, and 0.04 mm in width, with two whorls of complex tubercles and terminal clusters (Figs. 1 D, 2 A). A small number of crosses are also present, up to 0.07 by 0.07 mm in size (Fig. 2 A, bottom left). The anthocodiae mostly contain long, narrow, somewhat flattened rods, up to 0.14 mm in length, and 0.01 mm in width, with some lobelike marginal projections, and also, smaller rods with branching projections (Figs. 2 B, 3). The anthocodial rods are arranged vertically below the polyp tentacles. The combination of long anthocodial rods, abundant large capstans, and a low occurrence of spindles are distinct characteristics of the new species (Fig. 1 D). Axis and holdfast. The axis of the terminal branches is pale yellow, with a clearly visible narrow white chambered central core, becoming darker amber in the larger branches and main stems. Layers of mineralized gorgonin, the axial cortex, surround the central core. After maceration in sodium hypochlorite, the axis shows longitudinal strands of CHAp, leaving dark grooves where gorgonin was removed (Fig. 4 A). This arrangement of mineralized strands has been observed in other species of Leptogorgia (Lewis et al. 1992, Bayer 2000, Bayer & Macintyre 2001). The chambers of the axial core of L. cofrini sp. nov. are filled with organic filaments mineralized with CHAp (Figs. 4 B, 5 A–B). The filaments are coated with microspheres of CHAp that fuse to produce branching extensions that partially anastomose. Microspheres that are isolated, or have different degrees of fusion are also found (Fig. 5). In this new species the meshwork of filaments is not dense, anastomosis is open, and mineralization consists of mostly large microspheres (up to 0.90 µm). The holdfast consists of thin layers of gorgonin with mineralized loculi (Fig. 6 A). Loculi are filled with organic filaments (Fig. 6 B–C) that are also mineralized. Longitudinal fractures of the surface expose the filaments coated with microspheres of CHAp fused to form columnlike arrangements (Fig. 6 C–D). After partial removal of the organic matter by maceration in sodium hypochlorite, some microspheres show a hollow core where the organic filaments were dissolved (Fig. 6 D), thus, a concentric deposition process around the filaments has occurred. Etymology. This species is named in honor of Dr. David A. Cofrin, a physician, philanthropist and visionary scienceenthusiast who has contributed to the advancement of research in biology. Dr. Cofrin's interest in the rise of the Isthmus of Panama and its influence over the last 12 million years on the evolution of life’s diversity in the Americas is encouraging the development of extensive research on marine biology and paleobiology. Habitat. The new species was found inhabiting shallow waters, from 1 m to 25 m in depth on rocky communities exposed to strong waves and currents. It is very common between 10 and 15 m where it appears in patches together with other octocorals species, but being the dominant species. Distribution. Various localities along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama, under contrasting oceanographic and hydrological conditions (e.g., upwelling and nonupwelling regimes). Remarks. Leptogorgia cofrini sp. nov. is allied to a group of Leptogorgia that could be called the Leptogorgia alba Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864 group. They all are white with various branching patterns and different abundances of sclerite types. Excluding Leptogorgia styx Bayer, 2000, that was properly described and characterised, the rest of this group needs revision and redescription. However, Leptogorgia cofrini sp. nov. presents a characteristic small size, branching pattern, and sclerites that clearly differentiate it. The arrangement of CHAp in layers along the axis of L. cofrini sp. nov. matches L. styx (Bayer 2000), but the CHAp mineralization of the filaments in the core chambers showes some similarity to that found in Leptogorgia cardinalis (Bayer, 1961) by Bayer & Macintyre (2001), having a looser mesh of filaments, and larger microspheres.Published as part of Breedy, Odalisca & Guzman, Hector M., 2005, A new species of Leptogorgia (Coelenterata: Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae) from the shallow waters of the eastern Pacific, pp. 1-11 in Zootaxa 899 on pages 3-9, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17096
Investiture of Justice Eva M. Guzman
No full textJustice Eva M. Guzman was appointed to the Court in October 2009 after serving as a justice on the 14th District Court of Appeals in Houston. Before that, she was a Harris County district court judge and practiced law in Houston. She is a University of H
Pacifigorgia ferruginea Breedy & Guzman, 2004, new species
No full textPacifigorgia ferruginea, new species (Figs. 1 C–D, 3 A–E) Material examined. Holotype: STRI 423, Islas Ladrones, Gulf of Chiriquí, 15 m, H. Guzman and O. Breedy, 27 August 2002. Paratypes: MCZ 57051, STRI 422 B, UCR 1503 same data as holotype; STRI 521, Islas Ladrones, 5 m, H.M. Guzman, 15 April 2003; STRI 764, 765, Isla Galera, Gulf of Panama, 5 m, H.M. Guzman, 7 August 2003; UCR 1046, 1050, 1504, Isla Canal Afuera, Gulf of Chiriquí, 3–12 m, H.M. Guzman, 10 December 2001. Description. Colonies wider than high, up to 110 in height, and 150 mm in width, composed of one or more fans. New fans radiate from different parts of the main fan and grow parallel. Colour when preserved is dark purple intermingled with orange, when alive it is a characteristic rustcolour, acquiring a lighter hue when dry. Orange sclerites, sparsely distributed on the surface of the branches, give the impression of rust on the colony, which is very distinctive for this species. Colonies have a strong holdfast, and the fans grow directly from this. Networks are regular and of closed meshes (6–7 meshes/cm ²) (Fig. 1 C), and about 2–5 mm in diameter. Some meshes are notably elongated and thin, about 15 mm in length and 1–1.5 mm in width. Small colonies have larger meshes. Mesh branches are squarish in section, up to 1.0 mm in diameter. No distinct midribs were observed, but some thick branches (up to 5 mm in width) at the colony base extend for a short distance (up to 15–20 mm) into the fans. Endbranchlets are pointed, up to 7 mm in length. Freetwigs are around 3 mm in length, but in some colonies they reach up to 7 mm. The polyps are retracted within domeshaped coenenchymal mounds which are slightly raised, and close together, with dark purple sclerites forming a thin ring around the polyp apertures. They are crowded on the branches and mostly arranged in pairs; although four rows occur on thick branches. Polyps are white with rods arranged in thin points, and with sparse intermediate (mesenterially arranged) rods. The rods are mostly colourless, pale pink or pale yellow; darker hues also occur. In some specimens (paratype, UCR 1050) the rods are light purple, especially in the centre with a lighter halo. Coenenchymal sclerites are large, wide capstans and spindles, with whorls of tubercles, and can be dark purple, orange to dark orange, and bicoloured with one end dark orange and the other dark purple. A combination of small orange capstans and large, wide, dark purple capstans and spindles is always observed in microscopic preparations. The majority Holotype. The holotype (Fig. 1 C) is a dry colony, 120 mm in height, and 140 mm in width, composed of a main fan, two small secondary fans, and some free branches at the base. The encrusting holdfast is attached to a small calcareous rock. No midribs cross the fans, but some thick, flat branches (up to 8 mm in diameter) extend from the holdfast for some distance, and the small secondary fans radiate perpendicularly from them, producing a starlike arrangement. Coenenchymal sclerites are dark purple, dark orange, orange, and some multicoloured. Spindles (up to 0.15 mm in length and 0.06 mm in width) have 4–6 complete whorls of tubercles, elongated warty ends (Fig. 3 A), and are acute at both tips, or asymmetrical, with one blunt end. Capstans may be very large (up to 0.10 mm in length and 0.06 mm in width), with strong, warty tubercles, or small, and always orange (about 0.04 mm in length and 0.03 mm in width) (Fig. 3 B). Some fourradiates (up to 0.09 mm in length by 0.09 mm in width) with warty ends (Fig. 3 C) and various immature sclerites (Fig. 3 D) are commonly found in the samples. Anthocodial sclerites are light yellow to colourless. They are flat, wide rods (up to 0.09 mm in length and up to 0.03 mm in width) with lobed or scalloped margins (Fig. 3 E). Remarks. Although some similarity exists in the size and shape of sclerites of P. f e r ruginea and P. smithsoniana new species, the latter is more variegate in colour and has more barrellike sclerites. A marked difference is also found in the anthocodial rods, which are longer in P. smithsoniana and are without wide lobed margins. When alive, the species are very different, notably the remarkable rusted aspect of the colonies of P. ferruginea. Habitat. This species was abundant at Isla Ladrones growing on vertical walls from 14 to 15 m in depth, together with a species of Leptogorgia. Etymology. An adjective (L), ferrugineus = rustcoloured, rusty. Distribution. Only reported for the type localities.Published as part of Breedy, Odalisca & Guzman, Hector M., 2004, New species of the gorgoniian genus Pacifigorgia (Coelenterata: Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae) from Pacific Panama, pp. 1-15 in Zootaxa 541 on pages 4-5, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15770
R. P. De Guzman et M. A. Reforma. Government and Politics of the Philippines J. S. T. Quah, C. H. Chan et C. M. Seah. Government and Politics of Singapour Somsakdi Xuto. Government and politics of Thailand
No full textLechervy. R. P. De Guzman et M. A. Reforma. Government and Politics of the Philippines J. S. T. Quah, C. H. Chan et C. M. Seah. Government and Politics of Singapour Somsakdi Xuto. Government and politics of Thailand. In: Politique étrangère, n°2 - 1989 - 54ᵉannée. p. 355
R. P. De Guzman et M. A. Reforma. Government and Politics of the Philippines J. S. T. Quah, C. H. Chan et C. M. Seah. Government and Politics of Singapour Somsakdi Xuto. Government and politics of Thailand
No full textLechervy. R. P. De Guzman et M. A. Reforma. Government and Politics of the Philippines J. S. T. Quah, C. H. Chan et C. M. Seah. Government and Politics of Singapour Somsakdi Xuto. Government and politics of Thailand. In: Politique étrangère, n°2 - 1989 - 54ᵉannée. p. 355
Heterogorgia tortuosa Verrill 1868
No full textHeterogorgia tortuosa Verrill, 1868 (Figs. 6, 7) Heterogorgia tortuosa Verrill, 1868: 414; Verrill 1869: 452 –454; Kükenthal 1924: 231; Harden 1979: 113 –114. Heterogorgia verrucosa Castro 1990: 412 –415. Material examined. Lectotype (here designated): YPM 1555 d dry, Pearl Islands, Panama, depth not given, F. H. Bradley, 1866–1867. Paralectotypes: BM 1950.31. 62.45, YPM 1555 a–c, MCZ 4910 dry, Pearl Islands, Panama, depth not given, F. H. Bradley, 1866–1867. Other material. COSTA RICA: UCR 501, dry, Ana Bay, Caño Island, 17 m, H. Guzman, 10 February 1984; UCR 1854, preserved in ethanol, Nicoya Gulf, 11 m November 2002, O. Breedy; UCR 1865 (3), preserved in ethanol, Matapalo, Port Jiménez, 25 m, O. Breedy, 13 March 2004; UCR 1864 (2), preserved in ethanol, Ballena Marine National Park, 19 m, O. Breedy, 24 April 2002. PANAMA: UCR 1863 (2), preserved in ethanol, Jicarita southwest, Coiba Island, 21 m H. Guzman, April 2002; UCR 1858 (3), preserved in ethanol, Frailes south, 15 m, H. Guzman, December 2001; UCR 1862, preserved in ethanol, Bajo Viuda, Coiba Island, 18–20 m, H. Guzman, 22 April 2002; STRI 305, dry, Bajo La Viuda, 30 m, H. Guzman, 23 April 2002; SRTI 236, 237, dry, Islote, 10 m, H. Guzman, 20 April 2002; STRI 368, dry, Otoque Island, 5–10 m, H. Guzman, 9 May 2002. Description of the lectotype. The colony is 13.5 cm tall and 8 cm wide (Fig. 6 A–B) with a short stem that branches irregularly up to seven times. The branch diameter is 3–4 mm, and some are lacking coenenchyme, exposing the dark axis. Only a very small portion of the holdfast is preserved. The polyps retract into prominent calyces up to 1 mm tall and up to 1.5 mm diameter (Fig. 6 B), and are sparsely distributed around the branches, about 1.5 mm apart, and even more distant at the base of the branches and on the holdfasts, up to 4 mm apart (Fig. 6 A). Anthocodial armature consists of collaret and points. The collaret is composed of two whorls of long curved spindles, 0.27–0.55 mm long and 0.03–0.08 mm wide, which are covered with small spines (Fig. 7 A); the points are composed of 2–3 pairs of spiny spindles arranged en chevron; they are 0.16–0.34 mm in long and 0.02–0.05 mm wide (Fig. 7 B). The tentacles bear thorny rods, and crescents 0.09–0.2 mm long and 0.03–0.04 mm wide, that are ornamented on their convex side with tubercles and thorn-like processes (Fig. 6 C). The calicular rim has two whorls of thick warty thorns that are 0.18–0.30 mm long and 0.04–0.05 mm wide (Fig. 7 C). Coenenchymal sclerites comprise: small tuberculate radiates, 0.07–0.12 mm long and 0.06–0.09 mm wide (Fig. 7 F); crosses, 0.09–0.2 diameter (Fig. 7 E), with tuberculate arms; and spindles 0.12–0.4 mm long and 0.045–0.13 mm wide (Fig. 7 D), that can be branched, straight or bent, and have the tips acute or irregularly tuberculate. Colour of the colony is whitish. Variability. The other specimens examined reach up to 14 cm tall, and 10 cm wide. The stems are connected by a continuous encrusting holdfast and subdivide close to the base into several slightly flattened branches, up to 6 mm diameter, that re-branch often in an irregular manner. When alive, the polyps are bright yellow, and the coenenchyme looks reddish or brownish (Fig. 1 C). Some variation in the size of sclerites has been found in some specimens. All other characteristics are as described for the lectotype. The colour of the colonies is whitish to beige or brownish in ethanol or dry preserved. Remarks. The type series of H. tortuosa consists mostly of colonies in bad condition and specimen YPM 1555 d was selected as the lectotype to establish the species’ identity because of its better state of preservation. This species is reported only for Costa Rica and Panama. A comparison of this species with others is included in the Remarks section for H. verrucosa.Published as part of Breedy, Odalisca & Guzman, Hector M., 2011, A revision of the genus Heterogorgia Verrill, 1868 (Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Plexauridae), pp. 27-44 in Zootaxa 2995 on pages 33-37, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20111
Heterogorgia verrucosa Verrill 1868
No full textHeterogorgia verrucosa Verrill, 1868 (Figs. 1 D, 10–11) Heterogorgia verrucosa Verrill, 1868: 414; Verrill 1869: 451 –452; Nutting 1910: 89; Kükenthal 1924: 232; Prahl et al. 1986: 27 –29. Heterogorgia tortuosa Castro 1990: 412 –415. Material examined. Lectotype (here designated): YPM 1554 a, MCZ 730 (fragment of YPM 1554 a), dry, Pearl Islands, Gulf of Panama, depth not given, F. H. Bradley, 1866–1867. Paralectotypes: YPM 1554 b, MZC 36014 (two slides of YPM 1554 b), dry, Pearl Islands, Gulf of Panama, depth not given, F. H. Bradley, 1866–1867; YPM 1644 a–b, ethanol preserved, Pearl Islands, Gulf of Panama, depth not given, F. H. Bradley, 1866–1867. Other material. COSTA RICA: UCR 1715 (5), 1713 (8), preserved in ethanol, Diablillo, Caño Island, 27–30 m, O. Breedy and H. Guzman, 30 January 2007; UCR 1716 (2), preserved in ethanol, Caño Island, 30 m, O. Breedy, 1 January 2007; UCR 1848, preserved in ethanol, Bajo Hector, Caño Island, 33 m, H. Guzman and O. Breedy, 3 August 2007; UCR 1857, 1868 (4), preserved in ethanol, Bajo Mixta, Golfo Dulce, 15 m H. Guzman and O. Breedy, 7 January 2009; UCR 1860, Bajo Diablo, Caño Island, 24 m, O. Breedy, 18 February 2000; UCR 1861, Paraíso, Caño Island, 25 m, O. Breedy, 18 February 2000; UCR 1866, Nicaragua Rocks, Golfo Dulce, 10 m, O. Breedy, 2 August 2004; UCR 1880, preserved in ethanol, Tolinga islet, Nicoya Gulf, 18–20 m, J. Cortés and O. Breedy, 22 November 2002; UCR 1882, preserved in ethanol, Velas Cape, Baulas Marine National Park, 17 m, J. Cortés, 5 October 2006; UCR 1883, Ballena 50 H003, preserved in ethanol, Ballena Rock, Ballena Marine National Park, 18 m, O. Breedy, 28 April 2003; UCR 1884, dry, Cabeza de Mono, Culebra Bay, 20 m, O. Breedy, 1999; UCR 2091, MA 80 B, preserved in ethanol, Olucuita islet, Manuel Antonio National Park, 20 m, O. Breedy, 5 April 2005. ECUADOR: IIN 2, dry, Tambip, Reserva de Producción Faunística Marino Costera Puntilla de Santa Elena, 12–14 m, F. Rivera, P. Martínez, R. Nebot and O. Breedy, 20 July 2010; IIN 37, dry, Gigima, Reserva de Producción Faunística Marino Costera Puntilla de Santa Elena, 12–14 m, F. Rivera, P. Martínez, R. Nebot and O. Breedy, 22 July 2010; IIN 102, dry, Los Ahorcados Islet, Provincia de Manabí, 10–12 m, F. Rivera, P. Martínez, R. Nebot and O. Breedy, 25 July 2010; GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS: CDRS Ang 8, ethanol preserved, Española, 12 m, A. Chiriboga, 23 April 2003. PANAMA: UCR 1552, UCR 1850, UCR 1857, preserved in ethanol, Jicarita, 20–22 m H. Guzman, 19 April 2007; UCR 1851, preserved in ethanol, Jicarita, 20–22 m H. Guzman, 19 April 2002; UCR 1852 (2), preserved in ethanol, Frailes sur, 20–25 m H. Guzman, 12 December 2001; UCR 1867, preserved in ethanol, Jicarita, 25 m H. Guzman, 19 April 2002; STRI 253, dry; Passage Island, Chiriquí Gulf, 15 m, H. Guzman, 20 April 2002; STRI 323, dry, Frijol Islet, 5–15, H. Guzman, 24 April 2002; STRI 304, dry, Bajo Viuda, 30 m, H. Guzman, 23 April 2002. Description of the lectotype. It is a small, 4.5 cm tall, deteriorated colony (Fig. 10 C) and a separate branch, 5 cm long (Fig. 10 A), that was part of the original specimen YPM 1554 a. The colony is composed of three broken stems, up to 5.3 mm in diameter that are kept together by the remains of the spreading holdfast, which is 3 cm in diameter. The branches bifurcate several times in a lateral irregular manner. Calyces are up to 1.2 mm tall and 1.4– 1.6 mm diameter and they are evenly distributed around the two branches that still have calyces; 22–25 calyces/cm. On the branches, the calyces are about 0.5 mm apart, but they are more sparsely distributed on the holdfast and at the base of the branches where they are about 2 mm apart (Fig. 10 A). The anthocodial armature consists of strong collaret and points. The collaret is composed of 4 rows of long curved spindles, 0.35–0.56 mm long and 0.05–0.1 mm wide, that are covered with small spines (Fig. 11 A). The points are composed of 3–4 pairs of spiny spindles arranged en chevron (Fig. 11 B). They are 0.27–0.51 mm long and 0.045–0.05 mm wide, and several of them have a bifurcated end. The calicular rim has two whorls of projecting thorns, 0.23–0.46 mm long and 0.056–0.08 mm wide, measured at the proximal end, that have rather blunt tips (Fig. 11 C). Coenenchymal sclerites comprise small tuberculate radiates and irregular warty ovals (Fig. 11 E), 0.08–0.11 mm long and 0.05–0.06 mm wide; crosses 0.058–0.07 mm, with tuberculate arms or tuberculate all over; and spindles (Fig. 11 D) 0.15–0.43 mm long and 0.06–0.18 mm wide, which are variable in shape and can be branched, which have axes straight or bent, and ends acute or irregularly tuberculate. Tentacles bear thorny rods and crescents 0.14–0.24 mm long, and 0.03–0.08 mm wide (Fig. 11 F). The colour of the colony is ivory. Variability. The paralectotypes are up to 7 cm tall and about the same wide, and all are very consistent with the lectotype. Some variation in the diameter of the branches has been observed, but the shape of the calyces and their distribution is consistent in all colonies. The other material examined consists of colonies that are up to 12 cm tall and 15 cm wide, composed of three to four stems (4–5 mm diameter) that arise from a common encrusting holdfast and bifurcate about 1–3.5 cm above the base. The branching is lateral and irregular; the branches sprout at different angles and ascend parallel to the main stem, some are bent at the ends (Fig. 10 B). The coenenchyme is thin and firm with a granulose appearance. The polyps are retractile into calyces up to 1.2 mm tall and 1.8 mm diameter and are evenly distributed around the branches, 25–30 calyces/cm and 0.5 mm apart, but more scarcely distributed on the holdfast and at the base of the branches where they are about 2 mm apart (Fig. 10 B, D). The sclerites are consistent in shape and size within the type series and the rest of collection. The colour of the colonies is whitish to beige or brownish in ethanol or dry preserved, and when alive, the coenenchyme looks reddish and the polyps are bright yellow (Fig. 1 D). Remarks. Castro (1990) synonymised H. tortuosa with H. verrucosa based on a syntype of the H. tortuosa YPM 1555 series. Later, Breedy & Guzman (2005) listed differences between these two species after examining the complete syntype series of H. tortuosa (YPM 1555 a–d). We examined a large collection of specimens in this group and found sufficient character differences (Table 2) to allow us to retain H. tortuosa as it was proposed by Verrill (1868). Compared to H. verrucosa, H. tortuosa has a more irregular branching pattern, branches are more flattened and shorter and the calyces are more distantly placed and more acute. Also, the coenenchyme of H. verrucosa is more granular in appearance than in H. tortuosa due to more warty sclerites and/or their arrangement. Collaret and points in both species are composed of sclerites with similar sizes, but they are more sculpted, thorny and warty in H. verrucosa. Moreover, collaret and point sclerites are also differently arranged; in H. verrucosa there are 4 rows and 3–4 pairs respectively, and in H. tortuosa 2–3 rows and 2–3 pairs (Table 2). The type series mostly consists of colonies in bad condition, and specimen YPM 1554 a was selected as the lectotype of H. verrucosa to establish the species identity. In addition to Costa Rica, and Panama, we recently found this species at the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Prahl et al. (1986) reported this species from Gorgona Island and Málaga Bay, Colombia.Published as part of Breedy, Odalisca & Guzman, Hector M., 2011, A revision of the genus Heterogorgia Verrill, 1868 (Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Plexauridae), pp. 27-44 in Zootaxa 2995 on pages 39-41, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20111
Reassessing US coral reefs - Response
No full textThis publication contains letters written in a response to several letters that were responding to the following paper:
J. M. Pandolfi, J. B. C. Jackson, N. Baron, R. H. Bradbury, H. M. Guzman, T. P. Hughes, C. V. Kappel, F. Micheli, J. C. Ogden, H. P. Possingham, and E. Sala (2005) Are U.S. Coral Reefs on the Slippery Slope to Slime? Science 307 (5716), 1725-1726
- …
