Species of Harpacticoida (Crustacea, Copepoda) from the phytal of Porto de Galinhas coral reefs, northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The coral reefs of Porto de Galinhas Beach (Pernambuco, Brazil, Northeast region) are among the most important tourist destinations in the country. However, this ecosystem is being increasingly threatened by impacts related to tourism. A first list of the Harpacticoida species found in the phytal of these reefs is provided here. The total of 1501 individuals analyzed included 42 species belonging to 13 families and 32 genera. The dominant species were Parastenhelia spinosa, Amphiascoides sp., Robertsonia knoxi, Ameira parvula, Paralaophonte congenera congenera and Amphiascopsis cinctus. First records for the Brazilian coast include the subspecies Nitocra affinis californica and nine species: Nannomesochra arupinensis, Cletodes aff. pseudodissimilisoris, Esola lobata, Paralaophonte congenera (sensu Yeatman 1962), Sarsamphiascus parvus (sensu Rouch 1962), Rhyncholagena littoralis, Stenhelia gibba, Alteutha roeae and Xouthous purpurocinctus. The high diversity and the isocommunity hypothesis are discussed.