Overview of the comb jellies (Ctenophora) from the South-western Atlantic and Sub Antarctic region (32?60ºS; 34?70ºW)

SCHIARITI, A.; DUTTO, M. S.; OLIVEIRA, O. M. P.; FAILLA SIQUIER, G.; PUENTE TAPIA, F.A.; CHIAVERANO, L.

NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH

RSNZ PUBLISHING

Lugar: Auckland; Año: 2020

0028-8330

Ctenophoraare important components of marine ecosystems. However, the South-westernAtlantic and Sub Antarctic region is still one of the least studied region inthe world. We report the species composition and spatial distribution ofCtenophora and reviewed the studies performed in this region . New dataobtained between 1910 and 2019, encompassing an area of c. 7 million km2 (32?60°S, 34?70°W) werepresented and published information was added. We confirm the occurrence ofnine taxa, seven of which have been previously reported in the region. Mnemiopsis leidyi and Pleurobrachia pileus were the mostfrequent and numerous species. Beroeovata was frequently observed but reaching high numbers only occasionally. Beroe cucumis was always observed in lownumbers. Callianira antarctica, Lampea pancerina, and Mertensia ovum have been reported fewtimes as single individuals. Eurhamphaeaand Beroe sp. were found for thefirst time in the study region. This overview represents the state of the artin ctenophore research for the studied region, providing new knowledge onspecies composition and patterns of spatial distribution in the area.