Northward range expansion of the invasive coral (Tubastraea tagusensis) in the southwestern Atlantic

Abstract

Invasive species are recognized as a major threat to marine biodiversity. The scleractinian coral Tubastraea tagusensis has been expanding its range into the southwest Atlantic Ocean, causing negative impacts on marine ecosystems. In 2016, the species was recorded on a shipwreck located 40 km off the Brazilian coast of Ceara State (latitude 2°30′ S), at densities ranging from 16 to 872 colonies × m−2. This is the first documented occurrence and density of T. tagusensis in the northern region of Brazilian coral reefs (NBR), expanding the range of the genus along the Brazilian coastline to ca. 3850 km. Here it may form a threat to marine environments such as coral reefs, rocky shores, mussel beds, and fouling communities on manmade structures. Considering that the NBR contains vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as the reef system off the Amazon River, and that it is connected by both the North Brazil Current and shipping lanes associated with oil and gas platforms, a monitoring programme is needed to study the population dynamics of this invasive species.