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Pseudoscorpiones are compose an ancient order of arachnids, occur in a wide variety of terrestrial habitats worldwide, with representatives of various genera occurring exclusively in insular habitats. The primary objective of this study was to determine the composition and distribution of Pseudoscorpiones within the Brazilian equatorial oceanic islands. To determine Pseudoscorpiones communities and distribution in coastal environmental habitats of the Brazilian equatorial oceanic islands (Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Rocas Atoll and St. Peter and St. Paul rocks), was defined three zones along the insular environmental gradient in the Brazilian equatorial oceanic islands. These zones include the Sand Beach (SB) closest to the intertidal zone, the Slope Forest (SF) with a sloping terrain and the Top Forest (TF) farthest from the beach. Collecting points were distributed in each zones (SB, SF, and TF) at distances greater than 1 km, with four samples collected at each point approximately 12.5 m apart from each other. The TF zone is observed only in Fernando de Noronha. In our study we found pseudoscorpions exclusively on the islands of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. We collected 5 species from the Hesperolpiidae and Syarinidae families. The SF habitats exhibited greater species richness, while the Upper Forest habitats showed greater population abundance. Notably, we recorded pseudoscorpions (Ideoblothrus amazonicus) in bird nests (Sula dactylatra) on Rata Island, suggesting the use of nests as habitat, reproduction, and, possibly, occasional transport to and from other habitats. No pseudoscorpions were found in SB environments. Landscape changes and tourism can threaten this incredible newly discovered community, vital for monitoring environmental changes in this delicate ecosystem.

Fishing monitoring to gather fishery dynamic data is usually land‐based or carried from onboard inspections. However, direct georeferencing of fishing activities using aerial drones is a versatile and easy option that can potentially improve fishery studies, especially in Marine Protected Areas. We investigated the utility of aerial images to understand spatial displacement and fishing territoriality in a Brazilian MPA system under risk of deregulation. Survey flights were conducted in the multiple use area where fishing is allowed in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, located in the South Atlantic Ocean and considered one of the main ecotourism destinations and marine conservation sites in Brazil. An aircraft was used to map and detect several aspects of fishing activities and shallow seabed characteristics to demonstrate its utility for fishery management. We recorded 89 fishing activities in the marine area and 75 shore fishers on beaches. Results documented areas most intensively targeted by fishers, and operational aspects of fishing effort, both onboard and shoreline activities targeting shoals. Enforcement and monitoring efforts must be strengthened to assess the impact of expanded fishing activity in this marine sanctuary, mainly due to fading conservation rules imposed by top‐down political decisions. This aerial approach demonstrates the utility of quantifying and mapping fishing activities to assist both MPA and fisheries management aligned to benchmarks for biodiversity conservation and human‐based demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first record of two teleost species from two archipelagos in the western equatorial Atlantic. We recorded the occurrence of Cantherhines pullus (Ranzani, 1842) (Monacanthidae, Tetraodontiformes) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, a group of volcanic islands 345 km off the northeastern coast of Brazil. We also report the first regional record of Hemiramphus brasiliensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiramphidae, Beloniformes) from the Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Archipelago, which is a small and isolated group of rocky islands 520 km from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Abstract The Stomiiformes includes about 455 species of mostly mesopelagic fishes in the families Diplophidae, Gonostomatidae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae, and Stomiidae. Here we report 55 species of the order collected during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions off northeastern Brazil, including islands and seamounts of Fernando de Noronha Ridge. Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Pachystomias microdon and Melanostomias biseriatus (Stomiidae) are recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic. Eustomias bibulbosus, Grammatostomias ovatus and Photonectes achirus (Stomiidae) are recorded for the first time in the South Atlantic. Eustomias minimus (Stomiidae), previously known from four poorly preserved specimens, is reported for the first time in the Atlantic. Occurrences of 18 species are confirmed or recorded for the first time in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone: Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Gonostoma denudatum (Gonostomatidae), Aristostomias grimaldii, Astronesthes gudrunae, Bathophilus nigerrimus, Borostomias elucens, Eustomias bibulbosus, E. braueri, E. minimus, E. schmidti, Grammatostomias ovatus, G. dentatus, Leptostomias gladiator, Melanostomias biseriatus, M. bartonbeani, Pachystomias microdon, Photonectes achirus, and Photostomias goodyeari (Stomiidae). Diagnostic and distributional data for all species recorded are provided, with new anatomical information presented for Melanostomias bartonbeani and Grammatostomias ovatus. A checklist of the 108 species of Stomiiformes confirmed in Brazilian waters is also presented.

This paper covers the first record of window flies, Scenopinidae (Díptera), in the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Scenopinus schulzi Enderlein, which is briefly characterized. This species was recorded in low numbers: three males and 13 female specimens. The occurrence of scenopinids in Fernando de Noronha is regarded as an extension of the Brazilian mainland continental fauna. The colonization of the archipelago is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Neotropical Ichthyology is the property of Neotropical Ichthyology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is an infectious disease caused by Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5). Nevertheless, its clinical manifestations are considered multifactorial. Due to its relevance, FP is currently monitored in sea turtle populations in the United States, Australia, Caribbean, and Brazil. Between 2000 and 2020, the TAMAR Project/ TAMAR Project Foundation analyzed the prevalence of FP in nine states and oceanic islands along the Brazilian coast, including Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FNA), a historically FP-free area. A total of 4,435 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were monitored from 2010 to 2016. Additionally, in 2012 and 2014, 43 FP-free skin samples were analyzed for ChHV5 using a qualitative PCR for the UL30 polymerase (pol) sequence. In 2015, a bilateral ocular nodule characterized as an FP tumor was reported in one of the monitored individuals undergoing rehabilitation. Tissue samples were collected following surgical removal of the tumor. Characterization of a 454 bp UL30 polymerase gene revealed a ChHV5 sequence previously reported in other areas of the Atlantic Brazilian coast. In the years following this finding from January 2017 to March 2020, a total of 360 C. mydas were monitored in the same area and no FP tumors were detected. This is the first report of FP and the first detection of ChHV5 in FNA, a finding of great concern considering this site’s historical absence of FP occurrence. This study highlights the importance of monitoring this disease in historically FP-free areas of the Brazilian Atlantic coast.

Reefs are the richest marine ecosystems. Their benthic communities generate structural complexity and participate in nutrient cycles, providing habitat and food for many marine species. These ecosystems have been threatened by local and global anthropogenic impacts and changes in community structure have led to loss of biodiversity, ecosystem function and services worldwide. Most studies about these structural changes have been conducted in Caribbean and Indo-Pacific coral reefs. In the Southwestern Atlantic, where reefs are naturally algae-dominated, these efforts are incipient, especially at oceanic islands where local anthropic impacts tend to be lower, and natural and climate-induced fluctuations might be easily detected. We conducted the first temporal assessment of benthic communities and the influence of oceanographic parameters between 2013 and 2019 in Fernando de Noronha (FNA), the largest Brazilian oceanic archipelago. We annually sampled benthic communities in FNA’s shallow reefs (2–21 m) using photoquadrats, quantified and gathered organisms in major groups according to their functional roles. We also characterized and tested “sea surface temperature,” “marine heatwaves,” “diffuse attenuation coefficient,” and “wave energy” influence for the same period. The most abundant groups were epilithic algal matrix (EAM; mean annual coverage: 23–60%), macroalgae (15–35%) and calcifiers (15–29%), followed by cyanobacteria (1–37%), suspension/filter-feeders (

The invasion of the northwestern Atlantic by the Indo-Pacific lionfish has developed extraordinarily fast. In less than 30 years, lionfish have dramatically expanded their distribution range to an area encompassing the eastern coast of the USA, Bermuda, the entire Caribbean region and the Gulf of Mexico. Until now, just a single sighting had been reported in the South Atlantic and it was questionable whether lionfish would invade this region like it has in the northwestern Atlantic. Here we report four new records of lionfish for the Brazilian coast, in the southwestern Atlantic. Two individuals were captured in mesophotic reefs underneath the Amazon river plume, one in an oceanic archipelago distant 350 km from Brazil's tropical continental coast, and the fourth in the subtropical coast. The records in the Amazon and in the oceanic regions support previous inferences of lionfish invasion routes into the south Atlantic. The subtropical record, despite being considered too far away for a single larval dispersal event from the Caribbean, is recurrent and could be a result of aquarium releases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The deep-sea anglerfishes of the suborder Ceratioidei (Lophiiformes) are represented by about 170 valid species with some of the most extraordinary morphological and reproductive adaptations among vertebrates, including extreme sexual dimorphism and male parasitism. Here we report on the diversity and distribution of rare ceratioids collected during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions off northeastern Brazil and the Fernando de Noronha Ridge (Rocas Atoll, Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, and associated seamounts). Chaenophryne ramifera, Oneirodes anisacanthus, O. carlsbergi, Gigantactis watermani, and unidentified specimens of Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis are recorded for the first time in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. Ceratias uranoscopus, Melanocetus johnsonii, and Chaenophryne draco have their distributions extended in Brazilian waters. Caulophryne, O. anisacanthus, and G. watermani are also recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic. The specimen of G. watermani reported here represents the third known specimen of the species, and variations of its escal anatomy in relation to the holotype are described. Based on specimens examined and a review of records in the literature, 20 species of the Ceratioidei, in addition to unidentified species of Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis, are confirmed in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone.

Body deformities are often linked to environmental disturbances when the proportion of affected individuals exceeds 10% of the population. Thus, amphibians can help improving both ecosystems and human welfare. We studied a potential cause of deformities in an introduced population of toads on a Brazilian island where the prevalence exceeds 50%. We inspected individual toads for external and internal morphological anomalies and tested for links between anthropogenic habitat disturbance and the frequency of deformities. We then compared deformity data from the Fernando de Noronha Islands with data from other invasive toad populations in the USA, the Bermudas and Brazil, recording novel deformities and summarizing historical trends of its prevalence over the past decade. We furthermore investigated partial and total blindness, and found strong evidence that eyes are lost during the post-metamorphic stage (adulthood) rather than being an innate deformity. High concentrations of environmental pollutants in more urbanized areas on Fernando de Noronha have likely led to increased anomalies in toads sampled from highly disturbed habitats. We discuss other potential causes that may be acting synergistically to drive one of the highest rates of deformities observed in vertebrate populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal population density is informed for two epidemiologically important species of bloodsucking Tabanidae, Tabanus occidentalis Linnaeus and T. pungens Wiedemann, recorded at the Fernando de Noronha archipelago that was never connected to the continent. The two species are widespread in the Neotropical Region, have not been recorded from any other oceanic island, and have most likely been introduced accidentally in the archipelago. Tabanus occidentalis dominated the samples, encompassing 99.6% of the specimens collected in the two local seasons, rainy and dry. Tabanus pungens was rarer, encompassing 0.4% of the specimens collected mainly in the dry season. The tabanids of Fernando de Noronha are able to transmit blood pathogens, bringing risks to the health of the livestock. They also pester the tourists, which brings losses to the local tourist industry. Larvae of both species were already collected in the water lettuce Pistia stratiotes Linnaeus and it is highly recommend that this introduced aquatic plant be removed from the ponds of Fernando de Noronha to control tabanid populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Neotropical Ichthyology is the property of Neotropical Ichthyology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Eudorylas lepus (Rafael, 1990) is recorded for the first time in Fernando de Noronha. It is recorded in low number of specimens and it is shortly characterized.

New data on the taxonomic composition and distribution of rare deep-sea species of the Bathylagidae, Microstomatidae, and Opisthoproctidae (Argentiniformes) collected off northeastern Brazil, including the Rocas Atoll, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, and seamounts off Rio Grande do Norte State are provided. Collections were made by the French RV Antea during the ABRACOS 2 (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expedition, between April 9 and May 6, 2017. Among the six species of argentiniforms identified, three are reported for the first time in Brazilian waters: Xenophthalmichthys danae (Microstomatidae), Opisthoproctus soleatus and Rhynchohyalus natalensis (Opisthoproctidae). Three additional species previously recorded off Brazil have their geographic distributions extended to the northeastern region of the country: Dolicholagus longirostris, Melanolagus bericoides (Bathylagidae), and Winteria telescopa (Opisthoproctidae). Remarks on other species of the Argentiniformes reported in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone are also provided. A total of 11 genera and 14 species of the order are confirmed to occur in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of jawfish, Opistognathus thionyi sp. n., is described from the Vitória-Trindade Chain and Fernando de Noronha Archipelago off Brazil, a disjunct distribution of ca. 1,800 km. Opistognathus thionyi and its allopatric Caribbean sister-species, Opistognathus maxillosus, both have a wide, fan-like upper margin of the subopercular flap and mostly over-lapping meristic data. The new species differs from O. maxillosus in having the darkest spot on the spinous dorsal fin, when present, between spines 2-5, versus always present between spines 6-9, the buccal area surrounding the esophageal opening pale versus very dark and fewer oblique scale rows in longitudinal series (45-52 vs. 69-85). A second new species, Opistognathus vicinus sp. n., known from Brazil's mainland, has completely over-lapping meristic values with its allopatric Caribbean sister-species O. whitehursti, but differs in lacking vomerine teeth and a supramaxilla and retaining the juvenile color pattern of the latter species in adults. Diagnoses, photographs, an identification key, and distributional maps are given for all Brazilian species of Opistognathus. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit-I sequences indicates that specimens of the two allopatric pairs, O. thionyi - O. maxillosus and O. vicinus - O. whitehursti, form reciprocally monophyletic groups that differ from each other on average by 9 to 11%, with less than 1% average pair-wise genetic distance within-species. Similar patterns of phylogenetic structure were observed between reciprocally monophyletic (predominately allopatric) groups within nominal species of Opistognathus aurifrons, suggesting the possibility of at least two additional undescribed species from the Brazilian Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elasmobranchs can bioaccumulate and biomagnify pollutants. However, few studies are directed to the effects of pollutants on the health of these animals, and in most cases, are limited to the analysis of biochemical markers. Thus, the incidence of genomic damage among shark species inhabiting a protected ocean island in the South Atlantic was investigated in association with the analysis of pollutants in seawater sample. High levels of genomic damage were identified, especially in Negaprion brevirostris and Galeocerdo cuvier , in addition to interspecific variations that may be related to characteristics such as animal size, metabolism and habits. High concentrations of Surfactants were observed in seawater sample, in addition to low concentrations of Cadmium, Lead, Copper, Chromium, Zinc, Manganese, and Mercury. The results evidenced the potential of shark species as a bioindicator of environmental quality and allowed assessing the anthropic impact on the archipelago, which currently drives its economy through tourism. [Display omitted] • Sharks with high levels of genomic damage were detected in the study area. • Variations were observed in the frequencies of genomic damage among shark species. • A relationship between total length and genomic damage frequency was observed. • Pollutants such as surfactants and metals were observed in seawater sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an overview of predator-prey and other trophic relationships of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) around Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, off northeastern Brazil, with use of original data and a brief review of data published elsewhere. Records were made while snorkelling among the dolphins in daytime. Individual fish pursuit and coordinated school herding were the two hunting tactics recorded. Three small prey types (oceanic squids, fishes, and prawns) were recovered from vomits collected in situ and from stomachs of two stranded dolphins. In their turn, spinners were preyed on by the cookiecutter sharks (Dalatiidae) as evidenced by round and crater-like wounds and circular scars. Additionally, the dolphins were preyed on by large sharks (Lamnidae, Carcharhinidae), as evidenced by crescent-shaped wounds and scars. Unidentified fishes bit fin pieces, as evidenced by variably-shaped marks. On the other hand, dolphins’ particulate faeces, vomits and live roundworms were eaten by plankton-feeding fishes. Thus, the trophic role of the spinner dolphins of Fernando de Noronha may be summarised as that of : 1) a predator of small oceanic squids, fishes, and prawns; 2) a prey for the small, piece-eating cookiecutter sharks and other unidentified fishes; 3) a prey for large sharks able to kill a dolphin; and 4) a particulate food supplier for plankton-eating fishes.

After the most catastrophic oil spill event on the Brazilian coast (2019/2020), a new incident of unknown causes sent, in August of 2021, approximately 1.3 tons of plastics and oil to the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (Brazil). The material was restricted to the area known as the windward coast, which receives the influence of the South Equatorial Current. On 18 August 2021, our research team collected samples from different oiled shoreline sites (Caieiras and Sueste beaches) to provide the chemical fingerprint of the spilled oil and to compare that with previous oil spill events and exploited oils. We combined δ13C data from whole oil, saturated and aromatic fractions with the chromatographic signature revealing the first fingerprint of the spilled oil. The biomarker signature in association with the isotopic composition of the oils (~−26.5 ‰) undoubtedly excludes the correlation with the most extensive oil spill registered in Brazil (2019/2020). Fingerprints from the spilled oil in Fernando de Noronha suggest a potential correlation with source rocks deposited in a lacustrine setting (e.g., the east coast of Brazil and the west coast of Africa). Regardless, the chromatographic signature coupled with the isotopic data excludes a direct correlation with any specific Brazilian or African oil. In the case of a new oil spill event, the reported fingerprint will be critical to verify whether the oil is coming from the same source or a different source. [Display omitted] • Fingerprint of the oil spilled in the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha (2021) • Lightly weathered oil from a lacustrine source rock • Genetically not correlated to the oil from the huge Brazilian oil spill event (2019) • Data did not allow a direct correlation with any specific Brazilian or other oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two defensive tactics of neonates of nurse sharks, Ginglymostoma cirratum, are reported based on underwater observations. Described as 'hiding behaviour' and 'substrate resemblance', the defensive strategies were categorized according to the predominant habitat in which the individuals were found and to the behaviour displayed by the sharks in the presence of the observer. In structurally more complex habitats with a wide availability of shelters, the preferential behaviour displayed by neonates is to hide inside holes or crevices. When in open areas deprived of refuges, neonates tend to resemble arborescent coverings as seaweed banks or colonies of octocorals, which allows the use of more exposed habitats without increasing the susceptibility of capture by predators. Both aspects are relevant for a better understanding of the behaviour of neonates of G. cirratum and have important implications for identifying important habitat in nursery areas, and also for the management of this vulnerable species off South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

São relacionadas as 60 principais espécies vegetais dominantes do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, no Nordeste brasileiro: 33 herbáceas, 12 lenhosas baixas (< 2 metros) e 15 lenhosas altas (> 2 metros). A partir de tratamentos numéricos analíticos, as informações mútuas para cada espécie em relação a variáveis ambientais evidencia grupos ecológicos distintos, caracterizados por seus padrões de repartição espacial. As plantas com padrão de repartição espacial definido dividem-se em espécies ubiquistas, de sotavento, de barlavento, costeiras, de áreas interiores, de áreas florestadas e de ocorrência isolada. As plantas com padrão pouco definido são classificadas mais por sua função na paisagem que pelo modo de repartição espacial nas ilhas e ilhotas. São as jitiranas, as invasoras e as espécies plantadas ou ornamentais.This paper relates the 60 main dominant plant species of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, on the Brazilian Northeast. Using analytical numeric treatments, the mutual information indexes were calculated for each species regarding to environmental variables. The results allowed the identification of seven groups of plants with defined patterns and three groups with less defined patterns of spatial distribution. The plants with defined patterns were divided into ubiquitous plants, species of windward and leeward coastal zones, interior and forested areas and isolated plants. The species with less defined spatial patterns were classified by their function on the islands landscape.

After two years of the most extensive (2890 km of coastline affected) oil spill on the Brazilian coast (2019), a new event of unknown origin brought about 1.3 tons of plastics and oil to the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago; formed by 21 oceanic islands with high endemism, productivity and unique ecosystems such as rich seagrass and rhodolith beds and the only insular mangrove ecosystem in the South Atlantic. The no-take marine protected area of the Fernando de Noronha National Park has been affected by marine debris from Africa and weathered oil that brings ecological risks to biodiversity and ecosystems services in the only pristine seagrass beds and mangrove in Brazil. In this note, we describe this novel event and argue that the maritime surveillance system of the Brazilian coast remains non-operational, making it challenging to find the responsible parties for such a recent accident (2021) and the extensive event beginning in 2019. This new event shows that past mistakes have not been learned and that the Brazilian federal government continues to have a low capacity in detecting environmental accidents in its Exclusive Economic Zone and potential polluters. Moreover, this new event in unique insular marine environments shows how vulnerable the South Atlantic coastline and islands are to the growing impacts of increasing plastics in the ocean basin and accidents involving the fossil fuel production chain, shipwrecks, and shipping lines, especially when extreme climate events are expected due to global environmental change. • A large amount of debris (~ 1.3 tons) and weathered oil reaches Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (South Atlantic). • Rising threats to the unique mangrove of the South Atlantic islands and pristine seagrass and rhodolith beds. • This new event shows that Brazilian authorities are not prepared for a rapid response to marine disasters. • This event in unique marine protected areas shows how vulnerable the South Atlantic islands are. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Strongylacidon from north-east Brazil are described: Strongylacidon oxychaetum sp. nov. and Strongylacidon solangeae sp. nov. from Bahia State, and Strongylacidon chelospinata sp. nov. from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Pernambuco State. Strongylacidon oxychaetum sp. nov. has thinly encrusting shape with lobate projections, strongyles, oxychaetes and arcuate chelae; S. solangeae sp. nov. is characterized by having massive shape with hispid surface, strongyles and unguiferate chelae; and S. chelospinata sp. nov. present thinly encrusting shape, strongyles, and arcuate isochelae with large spines on the outer edge of the axis. An identification key for the nine valid species of Strongylacidon from the Tropical Western Atlantic is provided. New morphological characters, viz., oxychaetes and spined arcuate isochelae (here termed acanthochelae), are added to the definition of the genus Strongylacidon and of the family Chondropsidae. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Here we studied the activity budgets of nine common reef fish in the oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, off north-east Brazil. Species were variable in their behaviour between different sites and similarities in their activity budgets were not necessarily associated with their trophic group. For four species we investigated the relationship of their activity budgets to wave exposure and substratum composition. Staying close to the substratum was positively correlated to wave exposure for most species and foraging was negatively correlated to exposure for two species. By behaving this way, these fish may save energy by avoiding swimming in higher water flux. In contrast to relationships with wave exposure, the responses to substratum composition were species specific. Our results highlight that the activity budgets of fish living in oceanic rocky reefs can be variable and influenced by the local and temporal variation in environmental variables. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Among reef fishes, it is common for “follower” individuals to accompany “nuclear” species and to feed on prey uncovered by their foraging. In this study, I examine the cues used by followers to find nuclear fish. A model of a ubiquitous nuclear fish was maintained immobile or moved to disturb the substratum and the number of fish species and individuals attracted was compared to control treatments. The results showed that: 1) bottom disturbance was the strongest attraction factor for follower reef fishes; 2) visual features of the nuclear also attracted follower reef fishes; 3) there was no evidence of an interaction between bottom disturbance and nuclear fish appearance in the attraction of followers, supporting the idea that both factors independently elicit following behaviour by reef fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a possible example of social mimicry between Octopus insularis and the small grouper Cephalopholis fulva, which frequently associate during foraging at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. The octopus, when swimming backwards, jet-propelled, becomes similar in colour and shape to accompanying C. fulva individuals and is therefore less conspicuous within the fish group. We regard this as an instance of social mimicry, a form of protection against visually-oriented predators in which different species similar in shape and colour mingle for the advantage of grouping. Even when swimming backwards alone, O. insularis may become similar to foraging C. fulva individuals, another putatively protective behaviour. We suggest that the feeding association commonly found between O. insularis and C. fulva minimized the evolutionary costs for the origin of mimicking by the octopus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal zones across the world are often listed as protected areas as a result of their sensitive ecosystems and frequent social uses. One category of protected area that allows for protection and use is a geopark. A geopark combines geological heritage conservation with sustainable development and must include meaningful geological characteristics, and scientific content. Geoparks can stimulate the coastal economy through the appreciation of the heritage and development of sustainable tourism, along with environmental protection and interpretation. There are geoparks on islands and coastal areas in many continents. Fernando de Noronha archipelago (Brazil), has relevant geodiversity and the potential to join the Global Geoparks Network (GGN). For the creation of a geopark, it is important to acknowledge its geological heritage and relevance. This has already been done in Fernando de Noronha by the Geological Service of Brazil (CPRM), through the identification of the geosites in the island. The goal of this case study is to present actions that have been carried out and that may help on the report development for the proposed Geopark, as well as present the benefits that a geopark can bring to a coastal area. Opportunities for improving the economy with geoproducts and geofood are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Pariphinotus Kunkel, 1910 comprises a total of six species around the world, with circumtropical and subtropical distribution, commonly occurring in shallow waters, in soft bottoms and algae, including a previous record of P. seclusus (Shoemaker, 1933) from Brazil. Material examined was collected by SCUBA diving, from rhodolith beds, 12 meters deep, at the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, off the northeastern Brazilian coast. The new Brazilian species described here can be diagnosed by a unique combination of character states present in other species of the genus. However, it has two exclusive characteristics, distinguishing it from the group: medial apex of pleopod 3 peduncle with two small hook setae, and uropod 1 peduncle not exceeding the apex of telson.

Qualitative samples of flora and fauna were collected in several points, from the supralittoral fringe down to 30 m, using mainly aqualungs. Species distribution and abundance were determined along four transects, up to 200 m long, in selected places. Samples were taken from 25 x 25 cm quadrats positioned at fixed intervals along the transects down to a variable depth, depending on algal percentage cover and their substrate. The intertidal zone was populated essentially by molluscs. The subtidal was covered predominantly by macroalgae. Montastrea cavernosa, Siderastrea stellata and Mussismillia hispida were the only animal species with a significant percentage cover within the quadrats. Dictyopteris justii, D. plagiograma, Dictyota cervicornis, D. linearis, D. mertensii, Sargassum platycarpum, Sargassum sp, and Stypopodium zonale were the plants with the highest biomass and/or percentage cover, along with Amphiroa fragilissima, Caulerpa verticillata, and crustose corallines. The scarcity of sea urchins, along with the dominance of algae known to produce chemical feeding deterrents or to have a calcareous nature, points towards a strong pressure by predators, with fishes probably playing a key role in the maintenance of the structure of this subtidal community.

This study aimed at describing the quantitative variations of epiphytic diatoms in Rhodophyta Galaxaura rugosa, collected in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago (north-eastern Brazil), during two annual periods (June 2006 and June 2007). The distribution of epiphytic diatoms in G. rugosa confirmed the occurrence of a quantitative variation/zoning along the thallus of the analysed host, with an increase in density (cells per gram wet weight of seaweed) of apical portions towards the basal parts of the seaweed, regardless of the collection points and the annual periods. The abundance was characterized by individuals with pennate symmetry with raphe, belonging to the Bacillariophyceae class. This fact is the result of the host being collected in an insular environment with great water movement under the direct action of trade winds and ocean currents for most of the year. The study confirmed that in marine ecosystems with strong hydrodynamics, epiphytic flora tends to comprise species with the largest adhesive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]