Rocha, R. M.; Faria, S. B.; Moreno, T. R. (2005). Ascidians from Bocas del Toro, Panamá. I. Biodiversity. Caribbean Journal of Science. 41: 600-612.

130282

Rocha, R. M.; Faria, S. B.; Moreno, T. R.

2005

41: 600-612

Publication

Available for editors   [request]

An intensive survey of ascidian species was carried out in August 2003, in different environments of the Bocas del Toro region, northwestern Panama. Most samples are from shallow waters (< 3 m) in coral reefs, among mangrove roots and in Thallasia testudines banks. Of the 58 species found, 14 are new species. Of the 26 sampling sites, the most diverse were Crawl Key Canal (9°15.050’N, 82°07.631’W), Solarte Island (9°17.929’N, 82°11.672’W), Wild Cane Key (9° 20?40?N, 82°10?20?W), Isla Pastores (9°14.332’N, 82°19.968’W), the bay behind the STRI Lab (9°21?4.3? N, 82°15’25.6? W), and the entrance of Bocatorito Bay (9°13.375’N, 82°12.555’W). Ascidians have been studied and reported from 31 locations within the Caribbean, and 139 species have been reported. This count will increase with the description of the 14 new species, and Bocas del Toro may be considered a region of high ascidian diversity since > 40% of the total known Caribbean ascidian fauna occurs there.

America, Central

Biodiversity, Taxonomic and ecological diversity

Ascidiacea

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