Chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) from Alacranes Reef, Yucatan, Mexico

By

Reyes, Adriana
Ortigosa, Deneb
Simões, Nuno

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2017

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

665

Pages

Jan-36

Subjects

Biodiversity , Campeche Bank , Coral reef , Gulf of Mexico , marine reserves , Mollusks

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.665.10476

 

Abstract

This study represents the first comprehensive chiton study from Alacranes Reef, the largest reef system in the Gulf of Mexico. Nine chiton species were found in seven localities within the area, in the intertidal and subtidal to 12 m depth. SEM examination of C. janeirensis, A. hemphilli, T. schrammi and C. floridanus, showed variations in the sculpture and radular teeth morphology when compared to specimens of the same species from Florida Keys, Bahamas and Puerto Rico. The distribution ranges of T. schrammi, L. liozonis and S. floridana are extended into the south-western area of the Gulf of Mexico. Altogether, combining previous literature and the present survey, reports eleven chiton species which have now been recorded within the Alacranes reef area.