Carijoa Riisei Research Articles

Resolving natural ranges and marine invasions in a globally distributed octocoral (genus Carijoa)

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 401:113-127 (2010) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08364 Resolving natural ranges and marine invasions in a globally distributed octocoral (genus Carijoa) G. T. Concepcion1,*, S. E. Kahng2, M. W. Crepeau1, E. C. Franklin1, S. L. Coles3, R. J. Toonen1 1Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai‘i at Ma–noa, Ka–ne‘ohe, Hawaii 96744, USA 2Department of Oceanography, University of Hawai‘i at Ma–noa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA 3Department of Natural Sciences, Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, USA *Email: gconcepcion@gmail.com ABSTRACT: The first published report of the snowflake coral in Hawai‘i comes from Pearl Harbor in 1972; subsequent identification as the Caribbean octocoral Carijoa riisei led to the general conclusion that it was introduced to Hawai‘i from a Caribbean source. In an attempt to confirm the source of the Hawaiian population, we used mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (nDNA) sequence data to compare Hawaiian populations with samples of Carijoa (N = 244) collected worldwide. In addition, cumulative vessel traffic patterns from 1940–1979 were compiled for the Pacific Ocean to determine maritime connectivity to and from Hawai‘i during the assumed time of introduction. Carijoa sampled from throughout Hawai‘i (N = 94) share none of the Caribbean mtDNA haplotypes and only a single nDNA allele (0 of 28 and 1 of 27, respectively), indicating that the Hawaiian populations derive from Indo-Pacific rather than Caribbean-Atlantic origins. Furthermore, both mtDNA and nDNA show significant isolation-by-distance patterns overall and among the Pacific and Hawaiian sampling regions. These data indicate that Carijoa is native to the Indo-Pacific. Published reports of geographically wide-ranging invasions of Carijoa throughout the Pacific appear unfounded because our global sampling shows higher diversity in mtDNA (He = 0.87; π = 0.0023) and nDNA (D = 0.91; π = 0.042) throughout the Pacific relative to the Caribbean-Atlantic, indicating long evolutionary presence of Carijoa in the region. Our data clearly refute a Caribbean origin for Carijoa in the Hawaiian Archipelago, and indicate that the genus Carijoa is native to the Pacific and in need of further taxonomic evaluation. KEY WORDS: mtDNA · Intron · Hull-fouling · Introduced species · Invasive species · Population genetic structure · Carijoa riisei · Isolation by distance Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Concepcion GT, Kahng SE, Crepeau MW, Franklin EC, Coles SL, Toonen RJ (2010) Resolving natural ranges and marine invasions in a globally distributed octocoral (genus Carijoa). Mar Ecol Prog Ser 401:113-127. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08364 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 401. Online publication date: February 22, 2010 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2010 Inter-Research.

Observations on the life history and feeding ecology of a specialized nudibranch predator ( Phyllodesmium poindimiei), with implications for biocontrol of an invasive octocoral ( Carijoa riisei) in Hawaii

The azooxanthellate octocoral, Carijoa riisei (Duchassaing and Michelotti, 1860) has spread throughout the Main Hawaiian Islands over the last 40 years proliferating in abundance. Given the rapid proliferation and ecological impact of the octocoral in Hawaii, there is interest in using the aeolid nudibranch Phyllodesmium poindimiei [Risbec, J., 1928. Contribution á l'étude des nudibranches Néo-Calédoniens. Faune des Colonies Francaises 2: 1–328], a specialized predator of Carijoa sp. in southern Australia, as a potential biocontrol agent. Using the nudibranch for biocontrol of C. riisei warrants examination of its life history and effectiveness at controlling its prey. The specialized nature of P. poindimiei predation is confirmed and some of its life history characteristics are described. The aeolid exhibits an approximately annual life cycle, has planktotrophic development and spawns continuously throughout the year, with no evidence of lunar patterns. However, the nudibranch was not successful at controlling C. riisei populations in any experimental feeding trial. Even under high nudibranch densities in aquaria, predation is incomplete, because portions of C. riisei are left unharmed. Additionally, sponge overgrowth suppresses nudibranch predation on the octocoral, and the portunid crab Thalamita integra is identified as a predator of P. poindimiei. Together these factors indicate that biocontrol of C. riisei using P. poindimiei should not be pursued.

Antiprotozoan activity of Brazilian marine cnidarian extracts and of a modified steroid from the octocoral Carijoa riisei

In the present investigation, we have evaluated the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity of methanolic crude extracts obtained from eight species of cnidarians and of a modified steroid isolated from the octocoral Carijoa riisei. The antileishmanial activity of cnidarians crude extracts showed 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the concentration range between 2.8 and 93.3 microg/mL. Trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi were less susceptible to the crude extracts, with IC50 values in the concentration range between 40.9 and 117.9 microg/mL. The steroid (18-acetoxipregna-1,4,20-trien-3-one) displayed a strong antileishmanial activity, with an IC50 value of 5.5 microg/mL against promastigotes and 16.88 microg/mL against intracellular amastigotes. The steroid also displayed mammalian cytotoxicity (IC50 of 10.6 microg/mL), but no hemolytic activity was observed at the highest concentration of 12.5 microg/mL. The antileishmanial effect of the steroid in macrophages suggested other mechanism than macrophage activation, as no upregulation of nitric oxide was observed. The antitrypanosomal activity of the steroid resulted in an IC50 value of 50.5 microg/mL. These results indicate the potential of cnidarian natural compounds as antileishmanial drug candidates.

Trophic ecology of the octocoral Carijoa riisei from littoral of Pernambuco, Brazil. I. Composition and spatio-temporal variation of the diet

Octocorals are common components of sublittoral benthic communities in temperate, tropical and polar areas. However, their natural diets and feeding rates are poorly known. The aim of this study was to determine qualitatively–quantitatively the diet of the octocoral Carijoa riisei (snowflake coral) and analyse the distribution and diet composition throughout a whole year at two different depths of the same environment. Hence, 30 colonies were haphazardly sampled for gastric content analysis from 2 and 6 m deep (surface and bottom) at Porto de Galinhas beach, Pernambuco, Brazil, in January, June and October 2006, and March 2007. Relative and absolute abundance, richness and occurrence frequency per gastric cavity were assessed. Shannon–Wiener index (H′) and evenness were also calculated. Items were classified according to the occurrence frequency. The biovolume of preys was estimated from meristic data, and from the biovolume were then estimated wet weight, dry weight and organic carbon. Weighed biovolume (WBV), which relates biomass and abundance, was assessed to estimate the real contribution of preys to octocoral diet. Results attested the presence of 102 phytoplankton and 25 zooplankton taxa. Mean prey size was 112.7 µm. Diatoms showed the greater richness with 88 morphotypes. Only cyanophytes and diatoms, from phytoplankton, were very common (>70%). As a whole, phytoplankton was also the most abundant group (83%), followed by crustacean fragments (5%). Thus, although having low biovolume (<0.09 mm3×10−3), the phytoplankton showed the highest WBV (44.5%). Feeding items richness was homogeneous throughout the study year and in both depths, while abundance showed significant seasonal and bathymetric fluctuation. The t-test (Hutchinson) found significant differences for prey item diversity related to depth and season. From the analysis, it is possible to conclude that the C. riisei population of the Brazilian north-eastern coast is polyphagous, but shows preference for phytoplanktonic elements and small prey. Therefore, the species behaves as a passive suspensivorous feeder with equitable biomass contribution from phytoplankton and zooplankton.

Brittle stars (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) associated with the octocoral Carijoa riisei (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) from the littoral of Pernambuco, Brazil

The present work records for the first time the association between ophiuroids and the octocoral Carijoa riisei. Carijoa riisei is a colonial octocoral very abundant in the littoral of Pernambuco (Brazil), with growth by creeping stolons with an arborescent structure creating an optimal environment for epibionts. The objectives of the work were to identify the species of Ophiuroidea associated with C. riisei, and to verify the existence of seasonality through the density, abundance and frequency of sampled taxa. Due to the known relationship between the ophiuroids and sponges related in the literature, the sponges founded associated with C. riisei were recorded. Seasonal samples of the beaches of Porto de Galinhas and Guadalupe were realized. In Guadalupe, 39 and 21 ophiuroids (dry and rainy seasons respectively) belonging to the families Ophiactidae (Ophiactis savignyi, Ophiactis lymani) and Ophiotrichidae (Ophiotrhix angulata) were identified. Ophiactis savignyi stood out in all the analysed stations (48.72% in dry season and 52.38% in rainy season). The average density of the ophiuroids was 10.74 ind/100 g of C. riisei, varying from 12.56 ind/100 g in the dry season to 8.92 ind/100 g, in the rainy season. Amongst the species of ophiuroids recorded in the samples, O. savignyi showed 80% and 100% frequency of occurrence in the dry and the rainy seasons, respectively, and O. lymani showed 80% during the dry season. The presence of O. lymani in Guadalupe constitutes the first record in Pernambuco state. Taking into account that all the ophiuroids collected in Guadalupe were considered juveniles (1–3 mm of disc diameter), the microhabitat created by C. riisei may be utilized as a recruitment place for some ophiuroids. No ophiuroids were found at Porto de Galinhas beach, just as for sponges. On the other hand, the ophiuroids were always found with sponges in Guadalupe beach. For this reason, the ecological relation of the ophiuroids with C. riisei could be observed as an occasional relation, in the way that the octocoral supplies a support structure to the growth of the many sponges that have given a favourable habitat to shelter ophiuroids.

Isolamento e atividades biológicas de produtos naturais das esponjas monanchora arbuscula, aplysina sp. petromica ciocalyptoides e topsentia ophiraphidites, da ascídia didemnum ligulum e do octocoral carijoa riisei

The investigation of extracts from six species of marine invertebrates yielded one new and several known natural products. Isoptilocaulin from the sponge Monanchora aff. arbuscula displayed antimicrobial activity at 1.3 mg/mL against an oxacillin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Five inactive known dibromotyrosine derivatives, 2 6, were isolated from a new species of marine sponge, Aplysina sp. The sponges Petromica ciocalyptoides and Topsentia ophiraphidites yielded the known halistanol sulfate A (7) as an inhibitor of the antileishmanial target adenosine phosphoribosyl transferase. The ascidian Didemnum ligulum yielded asterubin (10) and the new N,N-dimethyl-O-methylethanolamine (11). The octocoral Carijoa riisei yielded the known 18-acetoxypregna-1,4,20-trien-3-one (12), which displayed cytotoxic activity against the cancer cell lines SF295, MDA-MB435, HCT8 and HL60.

Vertical zonation of megabenthic taxa on a deep photosynthetic reef (50–140 m) in the Au’au Channel, Hawaii

This study surveyed several locations at depths between 50 and 140 m within the Au’au Channel, Hawaii to characterize the deep reef habitat and determine the depth distribution and relative abundance of the dominant, habitat forming megabenthic taxa. In the Au’au Channel, the depth distribution of megabenthic taxa exhibited a pattern of vertical zonation with relatively few taxa dominating each zone. Macroalgae particularly Halimeda spp. and to a lesser extent scleractinian corals Leptoseris spp. were dominant between 50 and 80 m; Leptoseris spp. were dominant between 80 and 90 m as macroalgae decreased in abundance; the invasive octocoral Carijoa riisei was dominant between 90 and 100 m primarily on rugose features; Antipathes spp. and Leptoseris spp. were dominant between 100 and 120 m on exposed fossil reef; and small wire corals were dominant between 120 and 140 m. In general, the percentage of live benthic cover decreased with depth, particularly below 90 m where a large majority of the area was uncolonized, soft substrata. The gradient of downwelling light intensity appears to play a major role in regulating the depth distribution of photosynthetic organisms, skilophilous organisms, and other benthic fauna, which compete for space with dominant photosynthetic species. The depth of the seasonal thermocline also appears to play an important role in limiting the distribution of tropical benthic species.

New report of nudibranch predators of the invasive octocoral Carijoa riisei in the Main Hawaiian Islands

New report of nudibranch predators of the invasive octocoral Carijoa riisei in the Main Hawaiian Islands

Associated community with the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) from littoral of Pernambuco, Brazil

The community associated with the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum on shores (Porto de Galinhas and Guadalupe) in northeastern Brazil were analysed. Seasonal samples (dry and wet) were made in both beaches throughout one year. This preliminary study identified 28 taxa and recognized two modes of existence, endobionts (three taxa) and hypobionts (25 taxa). Among hypobionts two patterns of ecological relationships were found: those fixed to the rocky substrata or on the base of the zoanthid colony (11 taxa) and the free-living (14 taxa). In some of these relationships, the organisms observed (Carijoa riisei and barnacles), were under the mat as victims of the zoanthid overgrowth (spatial competition). The more abundant taxa were: Mollusca (28%), Crustacea (25%), Nematoda (24%) and Polychaeta (16%). Among all samples species richness, abundance, similarity and diversity were different, especially the dry season of Porto de Galinhas. Porto de Galinhas in the dry season showed the lowest diversity with only one record. After evaluating the different ecological parameters of the P. caribaeorum-associated community, we conclude that the Guadalupe shore maintains annual homogeneity, while Porto de Galinhas shore is notably different during the year. The only environmental difference between them seems to be the effect of human activity from tourism (reef walkers, fishery and diving), that could be directly and indirectly affecting some ecological parameters of this zoanthid-associated community, such as abundance, richness and diversity of species.

Impact of an alien octocoral, Carijoa riisei, on black corals in Hawaii

In 2001 Carijoa riisei, an octocoral native to the tropical Western Atlantic, was discovered overgrowing black corals in the Au’au Channel in Hawaii. In this paper data from a 2001 survey are reanalyzed and combined with new data from 2003 and 2004 to assess the ecological impact in greater detail. C. riisei differentially affected reproductively mature black coral colonies with maximum impact between 80 and 105 m. The pattern of C. riisei overgrowth on black corals and C. riisei on the substrata appears to be bounded by high irradiance in shallow water and cold temperature in deep water. Evidence suggests that the C. riisei settlement on black corals is facilitated by other epifauna. Once established, C. riisei spreads vegetatively and smothers the coral. The success of the C. riisei invasion appears to be unaided by anthropogenic disturbance and is at least partially attributable to Hawaii’s depauperate shallow-water (<100 m) octocoral fauna.

Dispersal and association of two alien species in the Indonesian coral reefs: the octocoral Carijoa riisei and the demosponge Desmapsamma anchorata

The discovery of the association between the sponge Desmapsamma anchorata (Demospongiae: Poecilosclerida: Desmacididae) and the octocoral Carijoa riisei (Cnidaria: Alcyonacea: Clavularidae) on an Indonesian reef enlarges the widespread dispersion of these Atlantic species in the Indo-Pacific area. The species involved and their morphological adaptations resulting from the association are described. When covered by the sponge, C. riisei develops an irregular branching pattern and a dense nematocyst layer where the ectoderm comes in contact with the sponge tissue. The finding of fertile colonies suggests that the Indonesian population of C. riisei is self-sustaining.

Harvesting Impacts and Invasion by an Alien Species Decrease Estimates of Black Coral Yield off Maui, Hawai'i

For over 40 yr, the black coral fishery in Hawai'i has been managed successfully. However, three new developments now threaten sustainability of the resource. First, harvesting pressure on increasingly smaller colonies of both species of commercial black coral (Antipathes dichotoma Pallas and Antipathes grandis Verrill) has increased. Since 1976, the biomass of black coral in the overall bed off Maui, Hawai'i, has decreased by about 25%. Second, at depths between 80 and 110 m off Maui an alien species, Carijoa riisei (Duchassaing & Michelotti), has overgrown large areas of the substratum as well as many adult colonies of both species of commercial black coral. This invasion may be contributing to a decrease in the recruitment of both species of black coral at shallower depths. Third, increasing sales of black coral jewelry in recent years is also placing more demand on the resource. Taken together, these trends suggest a need for more stringent regulations, including a larger size (height) limit, a reduction in the maximum sustained yield, and possible reassessment of the economics of the fishery. Adoption of these or other measures would help to extend and ensure continued sustainability of the black coral fishery in Hawai'i and long-term conservation of the resource.