Contribution to the knowledge on jellyfishes (Cnidaria: Medusozoa) in the department of Atlántico, Colombia

Abstract

The Medusozoa subphylum (Cubozoa, Hydrozoa, and Scyphozoa classes) is characterized mainly by a medusoid body scheme. The subphylum groups together organisms with pelagic characteristics, which to some extent has hindered their knowledge and study. Twenty five of the 130 species found in the Caribbean Sea have been recorded for the Colombian Caribbean, but new efforts are required to understand their diversity at local and regional level. In this study we registered the composition of subphyla species in some localities of the department of Atlántico, with an emphasis in the Puerto Velero tourist area. We collected the material between August 2016 and December 2017. Samples were collected manually, using a rectangular surface net (1 mm mesh opening), or during fishing activities. We recorded seven species: One from the Hydrozoa subphylum, one from the Cubozoa, and five from the Scyphozoa. Among these, Aurelia aurita and Chrysaora sp. were the most frequent in the Puerto Velero area. Although most of these species are widely distributed or cosmopolitan, and occasionally reach the Colombian Caribbean coasts, only one of them was previously recorded in the department of Atlántico. This new register increases the knowledge regarding their diversity and frequency of occurrence in this area of the country, and it is of particular interest for tourist places, especially for management and conservation purposes. © 2018. Acad. Colomb. Cienc. Ex. Fis. Nat.