Taxonomy of Cliona viridis from Brazil
What is it about?
Sponges are sessile benthic invertebrates that reproduce mainly by free living larvae that in average last for days or weeks. In the present study we provide the first record and a description of a Mediterranean lineage of Cliona viridis (Schmidt, 1862) in the southwestern Atlantic. We believe that the C. viridis specimens may have their origin in the Mediterranean Sea, and they were possibly brought to Brazil by ballast water, associated with traffic around oil platforms or other man-made structures, hypothesis supported by the intense harbour activities near the sampling site.
Why is it important?
Bioeroding sponges of the Cliona viridis species complex play a large role in carbonate cycling and reef health. The introduction of this type of animals in other environments supposely through man activities could change the entire reef ecosystem.
Perspectives
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0025315415001642
The following have contributed to this page: Professor Eduardo Leal Esteves and Dr. Gisele Lôbo Hajdu
