Distribution and diversity of the Syllidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Mexican Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean

Abstract

The objective of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of the syllids distributed in the eastern coasts of Mexico (Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean) taking into consideration their composition, distribution and diversity. Sampling was done at 77 stations including 49 in soft bottoms (terrigenous and carbonate sediments), and 28 in hard bottoms (coralline substrates) sampled in nine reef zones included in three reef systems (Veracruz, Campeche and Cozumel). In all 2084 individuals were collected (13.5% in soft sediments and 86.4% in coralline areas). Forty-five species were identified: 31 in soft bottoms and 38 in corals, with 21 species common to both types of environments. In soft bottoms, the highest species richness and diversity were found in the Carbonate Zone, while syllids were uncommon in the Terrigenous Zone. In hard bottoms, the highest density, species richness and diversity values were found in the Veracruz Reef System, followed by the Campeche Bank and Cozumel Island Reef Systems. The dominant species in soft bottoms were Haplosyllis spongicola, Exogone lourei, Typosyllis cornuta and T. papillosus, whereas T. alosae, T. corallicola, T. cornuta and H. spongicola dominated in hard bottoms. The importance and success of the syllids in both soft bottoms and reef environments, particularly in those of the Gulf of Mexico is emphasized.