Southwestern Atlantic Waters Research Articles

First records of Glyphus marsupialis Filhol, 1884 (Decapoda: Pasiphaeidae) in southwestern Atlantic deep waters and extensions of the known distribution of two Pasiphaea species

The Pasiphaeidae Dana, 1852 are a marine shrimp family occurring in both shallow and deeper waters, with its greatest diversity occurring in tropical and subtropical deep seas. This family includes seven genera and 104 species, and is globally distributed. Currently, the genus Pasiphaea Savigny, 1816 includes 73 species, seven of them recorded in the southwestern Atlantic. The genus Glyphus Filhol, 1884 is monotypic and is known from the Indo-Pacific region, the East Pacific Ocean and in the Eastern Atlantic. Herein, we report the first record of the genus in the southwestern Atlantic, completing a cosmopolitan distributional pattern. Further, two new records of Pasiphaea species are commented upon (P. major Hayashi, 2006; P. tarda Kroyer, 1845) along the Northern coastline of the Brazilian coast (Amapá state), also reporting a new host interaction between Thalassomyces sp. and P. major. This is the first record of this Ellobiopsidae genus in the South Atlantic Ocean. The material herein analyzed was sampled by the ReviZEE Program/North, in 1996/2001, during deep-water trawls in the Amazonian slope (Amapá state), at depths from 250 to 1100 m. All material is deposited in the Coleção Carcinológica do Laboratório de Crustáceos (Labcrus)/Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA). The global distribution of Glyphus is commonly observed in deep species and although it has been occasionally contested by the discovery of species complexes (using very detailed morphological and molecular data analyses) with the currently available information, the present material is clearly identifiable as G. marsupialis.

Unravelling the conoidean gastropods assigned to the genus Propebela (Gastropoda: Mangeliidae) from south-western Atlantic deep waters

ABSTRACT A new genus of conoidean gastropods of the family Mangeliidae, Notopropebela gen. nov., is herein described to include N. profunda (Castellanos and Landoni, 1993) previously in the genus Propebela Iredale, 1918, and two new species from the deep waters off south-western Atlantic Argentine. This new genus is characterised by small rhomboid shells with axial riblets and spiral cords, absent operculum, and radula of semi-enrolled marginal teeth. Both new species are distinguished from N. profunda by the presence of pustules covering the shell. Notopropebela pustulata sp. nov. was collected at depths ranging from 530 to 2845 m off Argentina within the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon in the north and Burdwood Bank surroundings in the south. Notopropebela petu sp. nov., distinguished from N. pustulata by a larger spire and subsutural ramp, was described from material collected from 210 m off Buenos Aires province. The radula and details of the shell and protoconch of both new species were studied from material deposited in the collections of Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales (MACN) and Museo de La Plata (MLP). We conclude that the genus Propebela is absent from the south-western Atlantic. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:act:BABC3CF0-0301-43D5-8F61-01EB94F7D647 http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:act:CA51AFD6-0C1D-49C2-91EE-BF3F7DBA3625 http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:act:D0130F68-6631-4368-91B1-5E68AF0B3C85

First record of Biecheleria brevisulcata (Suessiaceae, Dinophyceae) from Argentina

In the framework of a phytoplankton and biotoxin monitoring program implemented since 2008 in marine coastal waters of the Buenos Aires Province (Argentina), the strain LPCc022 of a nanoplanktonic, thin-walled woloszynskioid dinoflagellate, has been isolated. LSU rDNA-based phylogeny showed that the isolated strain belonged to a molecular clade corresponding with of Biecheleria brevisulcata. B. brevisulcata can be differentiated by light microscopy from the species B. baltica, B. halophila, B. cincta and B. tirezensis based on the location of the nucleus in the cell, the size range of the cells, and the environments they inhabit. This is the first report of the genus Biecheleria and the species B. brevisulcata in Argentina and overall South-western Atlantic waters.

No longer monotypic: new species of the buccinoidean genera Germonea and Drepanodontus in the southwestern Atlantic (Gastropoda: Buccinidae)

New species of the until now monotypic buccinoidean genera Germonea and Drepanodontus are described from the southwestern Atlantic waters. These genera are only otherwise known from lower bathyal and abyssal depths of Scotia Sea. Germonea costulosa n. sp. collected near Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank in 681 to 785 m depth is the second known species of the genus characterized by distinctive regular ribs. In addition, Drepanodontus peonza n. sp., collected from the same area, is similar to the type species of this genus with two distinctive spiral cords along all whorls. The bathymetry of both new species is shallower than that of the already described species, at upper slope depths. Geographically the new species put both genera on both sides of the Antarctic convergence. Previous reports include D. tatyanae sharing this distribution rising some questions about the effectiveness of the Drake passage as a barrier.

Community composition and functional prediction of prokaryotes associated with sympatric sponge species of southwestern Atlantic coast

Prokaryotes contribute to the health of marine sponges. However, there is lack of data on the assembly rules of sponge-associated prokaryotic communities, especially for those inhabiting biodiversity hotspots, such as ecoregions between tropical and warm temperate southwestern Atlantic waters. The sympatric species Aplysina caissara, Axinella corrugata, and Dragmacidon reticulatum were collected along with environmental samples from the north coast of São Paulo (Brazil). Overall, 64 prokaryotic phyla were detected; 51 were associated with sponge species, and the dominant were Proteobacteria, Bacteria (unclassified), Cyanobacteria, Crenarchaeota, and Chloroflexi. Around 64% and 89% of the unclassified operational taxonomical units (OTUs) associated with Brazilian sponge species showed a sequence similarity below 97%, with sequences in the Silva and NCBI Type Strain databases, respectively, indicating the presence of a large number of unidentified taxa. The prokaryotic communities were species-specific, ranging 56%–80% of the OTUs and distinct from the environmental samples. Fifty-four lineages were responsible for the differences detected among the categories. Functional prediction demonstrated that Ap. caissara was enriched for energy metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, whereas D. reticulatum was enhanced for metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, as well as xenobiotics’ biodegradation and metabolism. This survey revealed a high level of novelty associated with Brazilian sponge species and that distinct members responsible from the differences among Brazilian sponge species could be correlated to the predicted functions.

Genetic identification of Anisakis spp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from cetaceans of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean: ecological and zoogeographical implications.

Adult Anisakis Dujardin, 1845 were found in two specimens of killer whale Orcinus orca and one specimen of franciscana Pontoporia blainvillei stranded from off the coast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Genetic identification of the nematodes (N = 144) was performed by sequence analysis of the mitochondrial (mtDNA cox2) and the nuclear (nas 10 nDNA) gene loci. Anisakis pegreffii and Anisakis berlandi were detected in the two individuals of O. orca, while Anisakis typica and A. pegreffii were identified in P. blainvillei. Morphological and morphometric analysis also carried out on adult specimens of A. pegreffii and A. berlandi has allowed to underlining the usefulness of genetic/molecular markers in their recognition. This represents the first record of A. pegreffii in O. orca and P. blainvillei and of A. berlandi in O. orca. This is also the first sympatric and syntopic occurrence, as adults, of A. pegreffii and A. berlandi from the Austral Region of the Atlantic Ocean waters. These results provide insights into the knowledge of the host ranges and geographical distribution of these parasites in the basin waters of the region. Pontoporia blainvillei showed low abundance values of infection with Anisakis spp., which is the general pattern for coastal dolphins in the area, whereas O. orca harboured higher abundance of Anisakis spp. than those previously recorded among cetacean species in the Argentine Sea. Differences in the Anisakis spp. distribution and their parasitic loads, observed among the three host specimens, are discussed in relation to the oceanographic parameters, as well as to the host ecology. The usefulness of genetic/molecular markers in the recognition of adults of the sibling species A. pegreffii and A. berlandi with considerable overlapping in morphometric and morphological characters was underlined. The distribution of Anisakis species from Southwestern Atlantic waters is discussed in relation to their value as indicators for studies on the zoogeography of their hosts at a regional-scale level.

Physiological recovery after bottom trawling as a method to manage discards: The case study of Nephrops norvegicus and Squilla mantis

The European Fisheries Policy aims at a progressive elimination of discards. An exception from this regulation includes the release of species with high survival rates after capture. In south-western Atlantic waters of Europe, Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) and spottail mantis shrimp (Squilla mantis) are amongst the most important crustacean species captured by bottom trawling. We evaluated their short-term survival probability, survival rates and recovery capacities after being trawled by an oceanographic vessel. Seasonal differences were considered by sampling in spring and autumn. In order to characterise the full recovery after capture, physiological responses were also analysed along a time-course of 24 h. Our results confirm that bottom trawling is a stressful process to these crustacean species, as seen by changes in plasma and muscle metabolites, hemocyanin and immune system parameters. However, maintaining captured animals in onboard water tanks evidenced the full physiological recovery of survivors after 6 h and before 24 h. Survival in Norway lobster and spottail mantis shrimp varied according to the season, being higher in spring (68.4 ± 7.1% and 87.0 ± 4.7%, respectively) than in autumn (33.8 ± 7.8% and 63.8 ± 9.3%, respectively), probably due to the higher temperatures registered after summer months. The employment of the presented techniques for the evaluation of other crustaceans, fishing gears and geographical areas can be contemplated. Fisheries stakeholders might use this approach to better manage discards in Europe.

Spatial Distribution of Medusa Cunina octonaria and Frequency of Parasitic Association with Liriope tetraphylla (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Trachylina) in Temperate Southwestern Atlantic Waters.

This study examined the spatial distribution of the medusae phase of Cunina octonaria (Narcomedusae) in temperate Southwestern Atlantic waters using a total of 3,288 zooplankton lots collected along the Uruguayan and Argentine waters (34-56°S), which were placed in the Medusae collection of the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina. In addition, we reported the peculiar parasitic association between two hydrozoan species: the polypoid phase (stolon and medusoid buds) of C. octonaria (parasite) and the free-swimming medusa of Liriope tetraphylla (Limnomedusae) (host) over a one-year sampling period (February 2014 to March 2015) in the coasts of Mar del Plata, Argentina. We examined the seasonality, prevalence, and intensity of parasitic infection. Metadata associated with the medusa collection was also used to map areas of seasonality where such association was observed. Cunina octonaria was found from southern Uruguay to the coast of Mar del Plata (34.8-38.2°S, 57.2-54.0°W), with the highest abundances and frequency of occurrence in the Río de la Plata estuary. The parasitic association was identified from the austral warm period (spring-summer season) until mid-autumn. Out of the 21,734 L. tetraphylla specimens that were examined, 316 were parasitized (prevalence = 1.5%) exclusively in the manubrium and gastric peduncle, with an infection intensity of 1 to 2 stolons per host. Furthermore, the medusoid buds per stolon ranged from 11 and 29 at different stages of development. No significant differences were observed between the umbrella diameter of parasitized and non-parasitized L. tetraphylla specimens, nor was any significant correlation identified between umbrella diameter and prevalence, and intensity of infection. According to the aggregation coefficient, C. octonaria had an overdispersed distribution in the host population. All parasitized hosts showed stomach vacuity due to the location of the stolon, which blocked the mouth of the host. We identified the parasitic association in the coasts of Mar del Plata, as well as in both coasts of the Río de la Plata Estuary (Uruguayan-Argentinean coasts). In the Southwestern Atlantic, several biological interactions between medusae and other groups have been identified; however, the specific host selectivity of C. octonaria for L. tetraphylla was not previously identified. Here we discuss the ecological importance of this association during the holoplanktonic life history of the narcomedusae. Additionally, we report the southern limit of the spatial distribution of this particular parasitic association in the Southwestern Atlantic, thus increasing the knowledge of biological associations of gelatinous zooplankton (Cnidaria and Ctenophora) on Uruguayan and Argentinean coasts.

Half a century of sightings data of southern right whales in Mar del Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

AbstractIn South-western Atlantic waters, individuals of the southern right whale (SRW) Eubalaena australis spend part of the year (the austral winter and spring) in northern inshore waters where they breed and then migrate to southern feeding grounds during the summer. Mar del Plata (MDP) is located between two main reproductive areas (Península Valdés-Argentina and Santa Catarina-Brazil). The purpose of the present study is to report the presence of SRWs on their journey off the coast of MDP based on sighting records during the past half century. We carried out whale observations through systematic weekly coastal marine mammal surveys in different points of the MDP area from 1966 to 2016. The first SRW sighting was recorded in 1970; since then, sighting frequency has gradually increased, reaching a peak of 28 sightings (N = 63 whales) in 2016. These are unique long-term sighting records of SRWs in Argentina and the first on their journey off the shores of Buenos Aires province. We expect that these results will help local authorities to regulate tourism and other activities in the area and thereby contribute to the conservation of the species.

Nearly Synchronous Multidecadal Oscillations of Surface Air Temperature in Punta Arenas and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation Index

AbstractThe Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) signature in southern South America (SA) is examined using the surface air temperature (T-air) of Punta Arenas, Chile (53.0°S, 70.85°W), during the 1888–2016 period. The T-air shows multidecadal oscillations with a significant positive correlation of 0.77 to the AMO index. The relations of the Punta Arenas T-air time series with the AMO-related global sea surface temperature (SST) and regional circulation anomaly patterns are discussed. During the warm (cold) AMO phase, a cold (warm) center in southwestern Atlantic waters induces low-level anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomalies in the region, which together with the cyclonic (anticyclonic) anomalies in the southeastern Pacific channel the northerly (southerly) flow over southern SA. This meridional flow transports warm (cold) air from lower (higher) latitudes into the Punta Arenas region. Therefore, the temperature horizontal advection at the low level is the main thermodynamic process that alters the Punta Arenas T-air in a multidecadal time scale. The use of a relation between a long T-air surface sensor series in southern SA with the AMO presents a novel approach in climate monitoring and modeling.

A new deep water gastropod of the genus Parabuccinum (Neogastropoda: Buccinulidae) from southwestern Atlantic waters with new data on the distribution of all species

A new species of the buccinulid genus Parabuccinum Harasewych, Kantor, and Linse, 2000 is described from Southwestern Atlantic deep waters (~54°S, 60°W). Parabuccinum politum sp. n. differs from all other species in the genus in having a smooth shell. Radula, operculum, and soft parts match the other species of the genus. New data on the distribution of all the species of Parabuccinum extends the range of the genus to 37°S in deep waters of the SW Atlantic. Based on present data, only P. bisculptum and P. raucherti were collected outside the Magellanic region to which all the remaining species are confined.

Spawn in two deep-sea volute gastropods (Neogastropoda: Volutidae) from southwestern Atlantic waters

The gastropods Odontocymbiola pescalia and Provocator corderoi and their egg capsules were collected by the R/V Puerto Deseado from the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon (~ 37°53′S, at depths of 291–1404m) and from Burdwood Bank (~ 54°27′S, 128–785m). Odontocymbiola pescalia egg capsules measured 15.67 ± 3.38mm in diameter. They were subspherical in shape with an external calcareous layer. Each egg capsule contained 3–5 embryos and white material as extra embryonic food. Embryos grew to a size of up to 9.3 ± 1.1mm in mean shell length before hatching as crawling juveniles. The spawn of P. corderoi consisted of a single dome shaped egg capsule of 14.17 ± 1.5mm in diameter, attached to hard substrata by a basal membrane with a rounded outline. A curved semilunar furrow (seam) on one side of the capsules was always present. The number of embryos per capsule was 2–6. Embryos hatched as crawling juveniles with a shell length of 5.9 ± 0.6mm.The size and number of whorls in the hatchling shell suggested a slow rate of development, akin to many other deep-sea invertebrates. The egg capsules and reproductive development strategies of both species were compared with those from other congeneric representatives.

First report of two deep-sea shrimps of the genus Acanthephyra A. Milne-Edwards, 1881 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Acanthephyridae) from southwestern Atlantic.

This paper reports two deep-sea shrimps, Acanthephyra acanthitelsonis and A. armata from southwestern Atlantic waters. The samples were collected in two different moments, the first in the Potiguar Basin, northeast of Brazil (03/05° S; 38/35° W), covering the states of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and Ceará (CE) in the year of 2011, and afterward on Rocas Atoll, located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) (3° 51' S, 033° 49' W; 3° 52' S, 033° 47' W) in the year of 2015. The occurrence of A. acanthitelsonis on Rocas Atoll and A. armata found along the continental slope in the Potiguar Basin, comprising both species, which were recorded for the first time in the southwestern Atlantic. This paper increases the number of Acanthephyra species recorded in Brazilian waters up to six and adds to our knowledge and distribution of deep-sea fauna in the south Atlantic.

Revision of the genera Pareuthria Strebel, 1905, Glypteuthria Strebel, 1905 and Meteuthria Thiele, 1912 (Gastropoda: Buccinulidae) with the description of three new genera and two new species from Southwestern Atlantic waters.

This revision of the buccinulid genera Pareuthria Strebel, 1905, Glypteuthria Strebel, 1905 and Meteuthria Thiele, 1912 includes all the reported nominal species and type specimens. A total of 13 valid species included in six genera are described and illustrated. All but one -P. fuscata- live in shallow waters around the Magellanic region and even reach lower latitudes including deeper waters off the Buenos Aires province. The genus Pareuthria includes P. fuscata (Bruguière, 1789), P. atrata (E. A. Smith, 1881) for which a lectotype is designated, and P. venustula Powell, 1951. P. fuscata is also confirmed to occur in New Zealand waters. Glypteuthria Strebel, 1905 includes only the type species G. meridionalis (E.A. Smith, 1881). Two species are included in the genus Meteuthria Thiele, 1912, the type species M. martensi (Strebel, 1905), for which a lectotype is designated, and M. batialis n. sp., which is described herein based on specimens from deep water off Buenos Aires province. Three new genera are described: Falsimacme n. gen. to include only the type species F. kobelti (Strebel, 1905) (formerly in the genus Meteuthria); Argeneuthria n. gen. to include A. cerealis (Rochebrune & Mabille, 1885), A. paessleri (Strebel, 1905), A. euthrioides (Melvill & Standen, 1898), A. philippii (Strebel, 1905) and A. varicosa new species; and Microdeuthria n. gen. to include only M. michaelseni (Strebel, 1905). In addition, "Anomacme" multituberculata Castellanos, Rolán & Bartolotta, 1987 included by Dell (1990) in Meteuthria is excluded from the latter genus based on the morphology of the radula.

Divergence of cryptic species of Doryteuthis plei Blainville, 1823 (Loliginidae, Cephalopoda) in the Western Atlantic Ocean is associated with the formation of the Caribbean Sea

Although recent years have seen an increase in genetic analyses that identify new species of cephalopods and phylogeographic patterns, the loliginid squid of South America remain one of the least studied groups. The suggestion that Doryteuthis plei may represent distinct lineages within its extensive distribution along the western Atlantic coasts from Cape Hatteras, USA (36°N) to northern Argentina (35°S) is consistent with significant variation in a number of environmental variables along this range including in both temperature and salinity. In the present study D. plei samples were obtained from a large number of localities along the western Atlantic coasts to investigate the distribution of these possible species in a phylogeographic context. Phylogeographic analyses were performed using the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I gene and nuclear Rhodopsin gene. Divergence times were estimated using Bayesian strict clock dating with calibrations based on fossil records for divergence from the lineage containing Vampyroteuthis infernalis (162mya), the probable origins of the North American loliginids (45mya), and the European loliginids (20mya) and fossil statolith from Doryteuthis opalescens (3mya). Our results suggest a deep genetic divergence within Doryteuthis plei. The currently described specie consists of two genetically distinct clades (pair-wise genetic divergence of between 7.7 and 9.1%). One clade composed of individuals collected in northwestern Atlantic and Central Caribbean Atlantic waters and the other from southwestern Atlantic waters. The divergence time and sampling locations suggest the speciation process at approximately 16Mya, which is in full agreement with the middle Miocene orogeny of the Caribbean plate, ending up with the formation of the Lesser Antilles and the adjacent subduction zone, coinciding with a particularly low global sea level, resulting in the practical absence of continental shelves at the area, and therefore an effective geographic barrier for D. plei. Furthermore, this study also provides evidence of previously undocumented sub-population structuring in the Gulf of Mexico.

Latitudinal diversity patterns of diatoms in the Southwestern Atlantic and Antarctic waters

Latitudinal changes in the species richness of planktonic diatoms in Southwestern Atlantic and Antarctic waters (29 degrees-76 degrees S) were analyzed from local to regional scale in three spring and one summer seasons. A total of 220 diatom species (16-87 per station) were recorded. Despite the noticeable interannual variability, species richness showed a maximum in the northern sector of the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence Zone and a highly significant decrease with latitude.

Diet and population biology of the invasive crab Charybdis hellerii in southwestern Atlantic waters

For many species the population structure varies along latitudinal gradients, especially at the extremes of their distributions. This may apply to invasive species, whose ability to grow, reproduce, feed and compete is hypothesized to be lower at higher latitudes. A population of Charybdis hellerii was investigated on a rocky shore at Armação do Itapocoroy (Santa Catarina, 26°40′–26°47′S and 48°36′–48°38′W), Brazil. The study was carried out over two periods to test the hypotheses that: (1) this population differs from other populations that presumably became established earlier and at lower latitudes; (2) the population parameters change over time (number and size of individuals and ovigerous females), progressively showing more indications of establishment; and (3) the diet overlaps with the native crabs. In total, 642 individuals were caught: 544 males, 55 females, and 43 ovigerous females. This population of C. hellerii is similar to others presumably established earlier and at lower latitudes on the Atlantic coast, with a predominance of larger males and a male-biased sex ratio. The population is reproducing, but the similarity in the population size and frequency of ovigerous females between periods may indicate that this population is encountering difficulty in increasing in size. The generalist diet was composed mainly of crustaceans, molluscs and algae, thus overlapping with other native crab species. Although the direct and indirect impacts of this invasive species were not assessed, the population parameters indicate that this population of C. hellerii is established and may act as a centre of dispersal to higher latitudes.

On the presence of the deep-sea blind lobster Stereomastis suhmi (Decapoda: Polychelidae) in Southwestern Atlantic waters and its circum-Antarctic distribution

Here we report on the presence of the deep-sea blind lobster Stereomastis suhmi in the Southwestern Atlantic. The species identification was based on morphological traits and confirmed with genetic barcoding. The specimen analysed shows little difference from previous descriptions. This work extends the range of S. suhmi in America, where it was previously limited to the Pacific coasts off Chile, to the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, Argentina, and confirms its circumpolar presence with molecular data. A review of all available records shows that the overall distribution of the species is well correlated with the presence of Antarctic Intermediate Waters suggesting that the species habitat is restricted to cold and relatively low-salinity/oxygen-rich waters.

Status, population trend and genetic structure of South American fur seals, Arctocephalus australis, in southwestern Atlantic waters

AbstractThe South American fur seal (SAFS), Arctocephalus australis, was severely depleted during the 18th century. This work updates information on distribution, abundance, seasonal movements, and genetic structure along the southwestern South Atlantic. Its distribution in Argentine waters includes nineteen rookeries on the Patagonian coast, Isla de los Estados, and islets of the Beagle Channel. Censuses were carried out in rookeries from Isla Escondida to Isla de los Estados from 1996 to 2014. The largest concentrations are found in Chubut, (4,500–15,500 seals) and Isla de los Estados (4,500). Pups were recorded on Isla Escondida, Rasa, and Isla de los Estados. An increasing number of SAFS were recorded in northern Patagonia, including seals marked in Uruguay. Skin samples were taken from southern Brazil to Tierra del Fuego in order to evaluate population structure and demographic trends. Genetic results indicated no population subdivisions (Φst = −0.0292, Fst = −0.00716, P > 0.05). Bayesian skyline plots constructed for the entire data set indicated evidence of rapid population expansion discernible in Nef between the last 20,000 and 17,000 yr. Genetics results and observation data from marked fur seals support the hypothesis of ancient gene flow and a single Atlantic population. Therefore, SAFS should be managed under international and integrated conservation policies.

Expansion of an invasive coral species over Abrolhos Bank, Southwestern Atlantic

Invasive coral species of the genus Tubastraea have been increasingly recorded in Southwestern Atlantic waters since the 1980s. Their invasion and infestation are mainly related to port and oil exploration activities. For the first time the presence of Tubastraea tagusensis colonies is reported in Espírito Santo State, colonizing a port shore area, and incrusting oil/gas platform structures situated in the southern Abrolhos Bank, which is part of the most important coral reef system of the South Atlantic Ocean. Tubastraea colonies exhibit fast growth and high recruitment rates, and colonized 40% of the analyzed structures in just four years. The projection of port and oil/gas industry growth for the Espírito Santo State (more than 300%) highlights an alert to the dispersal of this alien species to natural areas.