Odalisca Breedy

Existing studies highlight the remarkable diversity of life forms inhabiting deep-sea environments, despite the extreme conditions that characterize them. Here, a new family of gorgonian octocorals is described using an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphological and genetic evidence. The organisms were obtained from seamounts off the insular shelf of Isla del Coco and three geological features of the Costa Rica Pacific margin, during two expeditions using the ROV SuBastian at depths of 360–529 m. Laurinqueidae fam. nov. is characterized by large irregular-flabellate colonies, with branching that is irregularly lateral, dense, and occasionally anastomosing. Thin coenenchyme includes a sclerome composed of rods and spindles with simple or complex tubercles; the axial sheath has rods and radiates. Polyps are tubular and conspicuously elongated, partially retractile into short cylindrical or dome-shaped mounds and arranged all around the branches. The anthocodiae have tuberculate rods and spindles arranged as points and an inconspicuous collaret. Colonies are bright yellow when alive. Phylogenetic analysis of two mitochondrial genes, mtMutS and COI , and the nuclear 28S rDNA did not clarify the position of the taxon, with each single-gene marker placing it in a different family. Phylogenomic analysis of ultraconserved elements and exons strongly supports its placement in a unique clade, sister to Eunicellidae. The colony growth form and sclerome differ markedly from members of that family. Herein we describe Laurinque elenya gen. et sp. nov . and place this unique lineage in the new family Laurinqueidae fam. nov. This study highlights the extreme incongruence among single-marker gene trees and the need for phylogenomic analyses based on hundreds of genes to elucidate the relationships among deeply divergent lineages of octocorals.

Oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) are among the most significant abiotic environmental gradients found in the ocean. Yet, fine-scale species distribution patterns of organisms inhabiting OMZs are still spatially limited, hindering our understanding on how these oceanographic features influence species diversity and community structure. Cold-water corals are ecologically important habitat-forming species that are often considered to be sensitive to low seawater dissolved oxygen concentration and thus likely to be useful indicators for exploring change in megafaunal abundance and biodiversity across the OMZ. In the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, widespread oxygen minimum zones and oxygen limiting zones encompass several thousand square kilometers of area and span several hundred meters of the water column, but typically are strongest between 300-700 m depth. A January 2019 cruise aboard the R/V Falkor using the ROV SuBastian, conducted video transects along 7 seamounts between the Costa Rica Margin and Isla del Coco, as well as within one submarine incised canyon on the north side of Isla del Coco. In this study, we analyzed survey data for patterns in cold-water coral species distribution, diversity, and coral community structure relative to abiotic oceanographic variables in order to gain biogeographic insights to this area. Across all sites, we identified 3675 coral occurrences and 75 unique morphospecies between 177-1565 m. Rapid species turnover with increasing depth occurred primarily across the upper (300 m) and lower OMZ boundaries (700 m). Coral assemblages within the OMZ depths were observed to contain distinct groups of species compared to those below at deeper bathyal depths. Stylasterid hydrocorals were disproportionately abundant above and within the OMZ, while octocoral and black coral species dominated in the more well-oxygenated waters below. Coral assemblage diversity and abundance was depressed within the OMZ, but bathyal diversity peaked at intermediate water depths between 1200-1500 m. In addition to assessing the impact of OMZs on coral communities, these results provide unique insights to the abundance, diversity, and environmental drivers of deep-water coral community assembly in a data-deficient locality, thus improving biodiversity metrics and informing marine conservation efforts off Costa Rica. These baseline data are particularly salient in the light of projected expansion and shoaling of eastern tropical Pacific oxygen minimum zones as a result of decreasing ocean oxygen concentrations driven by ocean warming and other climate drivers.

Black corals are one of the ancient marine organisms in the mesophotic ecosystems, associated with the rocky reefs and barely known in Central America. Belonging to the Antipatharia order, Myriopathes panamensis and Antipathes galapagensis are two of the three known species in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. These two where recently reported at a depth range of 15-45 meters and taxonomically described in the Gulf of Cuajiniquil, Guanacaste, a place that has a particular ocean condition related to the influence of the Thermal Dome of Costa Rica and lots of fisher communities who use the ecosystem services that these environmental bioengineers offer. In Costa Rica there are a few studies about the black corals, and little is known about the ecological importance of these species in the ecological dynamic. This study aims to assess the associated fauna of black coral reef ecosystems in the Gulf of Santa Elena and Playa Blanca Bay, Guanacaste. It provides a baseline understanding of the complex biological interactions surrounding black coral colonies, serving as valuable input for conserving the ecological integrity of these habitats.The ecological status and macrofauna associated with various coral colonies were evaluated through SCUBA visual surveys and photography. During the assessment, every colony within a 30-meter transect was measured and examined for the presence of vertebrates and invertebrates utilizing the black coral as shelter or for other purposes. Additionally, the general substrate characteristics of the area were documented using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and GoPro footage to capture a comprehensive view of the habitat. Our findings reveal that black corals serve as vital nurseries for reef-associated bony fishes, including families such as Apogonidae, Cirrhitidae, Lutjanidae, and Serranidae. These species frequently rely on coral colonies for refuge and feeding. Among the invertebrate fauna, the most representative groups were Ascidiacea, Mollusca, Ophiuroidea, and Porifera, several of which were consistently associated with both species of black coral observed.These results highlight the critical ecological role that black corals play in the Gulf of Cuajiniquil and Playa Blanca Bay. To safeguard these ecosystems, it is imperative to expand research efforts to better understand the impacts of fisheries, organism extraction, and climate change on these habitats.

The methane seeps on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica support extensive animal diversity and offer insights into deep-sea biogeography. During five expeditions between 2009 and 2019, we conducted intensive faunal sampling via 63 submersible dives to 11 localities at depths of 300–3600 m. Based on these expeditions and published literature, we compiled voucher specimens, images, and 274 newly published DNA sequences to present a taxonomic inventory of macrofaunal and megafaunal diversity with a focus on invertebrates. In total 488 morphospecies were identified, representing the highest number of distinct morphospecies published from a single seep or vent region to date. Of these, 131 are described species, at least 58 are undescribed species, and the remainder include some degree of taxonomic uncertainty, likely representing additional undescribed species. Of the described species, 38 are known only from the Costa Rica seeps and their vicinity. Fifteen range extensions are also reported for species known from Mexico, the Galápagos seamounts, Chile, and the western Pacific; as well as 16 new depth records and three new seep records for species known to occur at vents or organic falls. No single evolutionary narrative explains the patterns of biodiversity at these seeps, as even morphologically indistinguishable species can show different biogeographic affinities, biogeographic ranges, or depth ranges. The value of careful molecular taxonomy and comprehensive specimen-based regional inventories is emphasized for biodiversity research and monitoring.

Heterogorgia abdita sp. nov. is a newly identified mesophotic octocoral species collected at Tigre shoal off Santa Elena Peninsula (Pacific Costa Rica). The new species is described based on distinctive morphological characters that classify it within the genus Heterogorgia. It is characterised by its conspicuous small branching colony with prominent calyces and thin branches. While its scleroma aligns with the genus, the presence of club-like spindles is notable, as these have previously been observed only in the sole Atlantic Heterogorgia species. This study enhances our understanding of the intriguing genus Heterogorgia and contributes to the knowledge of octocoral biodiversity within the Área de Conservación Guanacaste north Pacific Costa Rica and the broader marine biodiversity of the eastern tropical Pacific.

The methane seeps on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica support extensive animal diversity and offer insights into deep-sea biogeography and phylogeography. During five expeditions between 2009 and 2019, we conducted intensive faunal sampling via 63 submersible dives to 11 localities at depths of 300-3600 m. Based on these expeditions and published literature, we compiled voucher specimens, images, and 267 newly published DNA sequences to present a taxonomic inventory of macrofaunal and megafaunal diversity with a focus on invertebrates. We identified 487 morphospecies, of which 132 are described species, at least 57 are undescribed species, and the remainder include some degree of taxonomic uncertainty, likely representing additional undescribed species. This total represents the highest number of distinct morphospecies published from a single seep or vent region to date. Of the described species, 38 are known only from the Costa Rica seeps. We also report 13 range extensions for species known from Mexico, the Galápagos seamounts, Chile, and the western Pacific; 17 new depth records; and three new seep records for species known to occur at vents or organic falls. We note that no single evolutionary narrative explains the patterns of biodiversity at these seeps, as even morphologically indistinguishable species can show different phylogeographic affinities, biogeographic ranges, or depth restrictions. We emphasize the value of careful molecular taxonomy and comprehensive specimen-based regional inventories for biodiversity research and monitoring.

Aliena parvagen. et sp. nov.is described from Cocos Island, Costa Rica. The species was found at various islets and rocky outcrops north and northwest of the island, 20–30 m in depth. The genus is characterised by polyps, retracting into calyces, that form thin encrusting mats extending on dead or live substrates. Sclerites are mostly asymmetrical spindles. Anthocodial rods are arranged in points, not forming a collaret. Colonies and coenenchymal sclerites are red, and polyps are transparent. Using an integrative taxonomic approach, we found the new genus to morphologically and genetically differ from all other described taxa. The molecular phylogenetic analyses provide strong support for the placement of this new genus in the family Pterogorgiidae. Morphologically it is unlike any of the other members of this family, necessitating an amendment to the diagnosis of Pterogorgiidae. Like several other known taxa of octocorals with encrusting growth forms,Alienagen. nov.appears to have evolved from a gorgonian ancestor by loss of an internal skeletal axis. It is the first member of Pterogorgiidae to be reported from the eastern Pacific, contributing further to the knowledge of marine biodiversity in the eastern tropical Pacific and to the octocoral biodiversity of Cocos Island in particular.

Aliena parva gen. nov. et sp. nov. is described from Cocos Island, Costa Rica. The species was found at various islets and rocky outcrops north and NW of the island, 20−30 m in depth. The genus is characterised by polyps retracting into low mounds forming thin encrusting mats extending on dead or live substrate. Sclerites are mostly asymmetrical spindles Anthocodial rods are arranged in points, not forming a collaret. Colonies and coenenchymal sclerites are red. Using an integrative taxonomic approach, we found the new genus to be different morphologically and genetically from all other described taxa. The molecular phylogenetic analyses provide strong support for the placement of this new genus in Order Malacalcyonacea, family Pterogorgiidae. Morphologically it is unlike any of the other members of this family, necessitating an amendment to the diagnosis of Pterogorgiidae. Like several other known taxa of octocorals with simple, encrusting growth forms, Aliena gen. nov. appears to have evolved from a gorgonian ancestor by loss of an internal skeletal axis. It is the first member of Pterogorgiidae to be reported from the eastern Pacific, contributing further to the knowledge of marine biodiversity in the eastern tropical Pacific and to the octocoral biodiversity of Cocos Island in particular.

Osa Peninsula in remote southwest Costa Rica harbors 2.5% of global terrestrial biodiversity in only 1,200 km² and has the largest remaining tract of Pacific lowland wet forest in Mesoamerica. However, little is known about the marine ecosystems of this diverse region. Much of the coastline consists of soft sediment exposed to strong wave action. Three major hard bottom habitat types define this region, including: 1) coral reefs around Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, a no-take marine protected area (MPA) of 52 km², 2) coastal rocky reefs and islets along the peninsula, including Corcovado National Park, and 3) submerged pinnacles just outside the Isla del Caño MPA. Average coral cover at Isla del Caño was 21%, composed primarily of Porites lobata and Pocillopora elegans. In contrast, coastal rocky reefs were dominated by turf algae (39.8%) and macroalgae (20.7%) with low coral cover (1.1%). Submerged pinnacles were dominated by crustose coralline algae (33.3%) and erect coralline algae (25.7%). Fish assemblage characteristics (species richness, abundance, biomass) were significantly higher at the pinnacles compared to the other habitats and was dominated by schooling species such as Haemulon steindachneri, and the herbivores Kyphosus ocyurus, and Acanthurus xanthopterus. Top predators, primarily Triaenodon obesus, Caranx sexfasciatus, and Lutjanus argentimaculatus, were also most abundant at these pinnacles and accounted for the largest differences in fish trophic structure among habitats. Despite Isla del Caño being fully protected from fishing, biomass was similar to fished areas along the coast and lower than the adjacent submerged pinnacles outside the reserve. Similarly, Corcovado National Park includes 20.3 km² of no-take MPAs; however, there is limited enforcement, and we noted several instances of fishing within the park. The unique configuration of healthy offshore coral reefs and pinnacles connected to coastal habitats provides corridors for many species including large predators such as sharks and other marine megafauna, which warrants additional protection.