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Some excavating sponges are strong competitors for space on coral reefs, able to kill live coral tissue and to overgrow entire coral colonies. Stony corals with excavating sponges can die or become dislodged. To date no restoration efforts to eliminate excavating sponges from live corals have been considered. In this study we examined the effect and remedial potential of removal of the excavating sponge, Cliona delitrix, by monitoring tissue loss of the stony coral Montastrea cavernosa. Thirty-three corals colonized by the sponge were used: 11 as controls, and 22 as treatments in which sponges were removed using hammer and chisel. After sponge removal, resultant cavities in the coral skeletons were filled with common cement or epoxy. Standardized photos of each coral were taken immediately after sponge removal, and at 6 and 12 months afterwards. Results were similar between fill materials and showed a reduction in coral tissue loss in colonies where the sponge was removed. This study demonstrates that eliminating the bioeroding sponge enables potential recovery in affected stony corals after a year. However, 36% of experimental corals showed renewed presence of C. delitrix on the colony surface within a year after removal, demonstrating the extraordinary ability of this sponge to colonize corals. Although the technique used in this study is applicable to enhance modern coral restoration practices by slowing tissue loss, this method is costly, elaborate, and not suitable at a reef-wide scale. Further restoration alternatives and long-term measures to prevent over-colonization of corals by excavating sponges are encouraged.

Coral communities were examined from highly turbid near-shore marginal reefs of Abrolhos (Brazil) to test a paradigm previously developed from observations in clear water reefs; specifically, that coral photobiological properties follow a highly conserved linear relationship with optical depth (ζ) via preferential ‘non-photochemical’ over ‘photochemical’ dissipation of absorbed light energy. PAM flourometry in situ was used to examine the photobiology of the most dominant coral species throughout the platform surfaces and bases of Abrolhos’ characteristic ‘chapeiroes’ reef framework; however, none of the species consistently adhered to the ‘clear water paradigm’. PAM measurements further demonstrated that species conformed to two different strategies of non-photochemical energy dissipation: transient but relatively rapid for the two closely related endemic species (Mussismilia braziliensis and Mussismilia harttii) as opposed to more persistent for Montastrea cavernosa, Porites astreoides and Siderastrea stellata. Further experiments demonstrated that tolerance to anomalous stress amongst species did not correspond with the non-photochemical energy dissipation strategy present but was consistent with the relative dominance of species within the chapeiroes coral communities.

Mesophotic coral reef ecosystems remain largely unexplored with only limited information available on taxonomic composition, abundance and distribution. Yet, mesophotic reefs may serve as potential refugia for shallow-water species and thus understanding biodiversity, ecology and connectivity of deep reef communities is integral for resource management and conservation. The Caribbean coral, Montastraea cavernosa, is considered a depth generalist and is commonly found at mesophotic depths. We surveyed abundance and size-frequency of M. cavernosa populations at six shallow (10m) and six upper mesophotic (45m) sites in Bermuda and found population structure was depth dependent. The mean surface area of colonies at mesophotic sites was significantly smaller than at shallow sites, suggesting that growth rates and maximum colony surface area are limited on mesophotic reefs. Colony density was significantly higher at mesophotic sites, however, resulting in equal contributions to overall percent cover. Size-frequency distributions between shallow and mesophotic sites were also significantly different with populations at mesophotic reefs skewed towards smaller individuals. Overall, the results of this study provide valuable baseline data on population structure, which indicate that the mesophotic reefs of Bermuda support an established population of M. cavernosa.

10 páginas, 9 figuras, We have found a new species of Autolytinae (Annelida, Syllidae), Proceraea janetae, feeding on the scleractinian coral Montastrea cavernosa in coral reefs surrounding the Grand Cayman Island (Cayman Islands, British West Indies). The new species has a characteristic combination of transversal brown markings on the segmental margins and diffuse white middorsal transverse bars, together with a diffuse white mid-dorsal longitudinal band. Antennae are brown, tentacular cirri are pale, the first dorsal cirri are white with pale base; the second dorsal cirri are pale, and the remaining dorsal cirri are alternately long, bright yellow-orange with brownish tips and short, entirely brown. The trepan has 18 tricuspid teeth in one ring. There are 9 teeth with all cuspids equally long and 9 with a longer median cuspid, arranged in an alternating pattern. We describe and illustrate the feeding behaviour of the new species, which appears to be closer to parasitism rather than to specialized predation. Proceraea janetae sp. nov. is the second polychaete, and the first syllid, known to feed on scleractinian corals., The study has been partly financed by the BENTHOMICS project (CTM2010-22218-C02-01) funded by the Spanish Plan Nacional de Investigacio´n Cientı´fica, Desarrollo e Innovacio´n Tecnolo´gica. This paper is a contribution of DM and JG to the Consolidated Research Group 2014SGR120 of the Generalitat of Catalunya.

Alvarez, Belinda, Rob W.M. van Soest, and Klaus Rutzler. A Revision of Axinellidae (Porifera: Demospongiae) of the Central West Atlantic Region. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 598,47 pages, 23 figures, 18 tables, 1998.—Twenty-one species of the family Axinellidae (sensu Levi) reside in the central West Atlantic region, from the Carolinas to the southern Caribbean. They are distributed in seven genera, and five are new species: Axinella pomponiae, A. meandroides, PseudaxinellaC?) zeai, Dragmaxia undata, and Auletta tuberosa. A taxonomic diagnosis of these genera and species indicates that the nominal genera Teichaxinella de Laubenfels and Homaxinella Topsent previously recorded from the region are invalid and that in the study area their species can be allocated to Axinella. Acanthella and Ptilocaulis, traditionally grouped with the Axinellidae but recently allocated to the families Dictyonellidae and Desmoxyidae of the Order Halichondrida (sensu van Soest et al., 1990), are included in this revision because the scope of the other families has not yet been established. Ptilocaulis, at least, is shown to be closely related to Axinella. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Annals of the Smithsonian Institution. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Alvarez, Belinda. A revision of Axinellidae (Porifera : Demospongiae) of the Central West Atlantic region / Belinda Alvarez, Rob W.M. van Soest, and Klaus Rutzler. p. cm. — (Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 598) Includes bibliographical references (p. 45) and index. 1. Axinellidae—Atlantic Coast (U.S.)—Classification. 2. Axinellidae—Caribbean Sea—Classification. I. Soest, R. W. M. van. II. Rutzler, Klaus. III. Title. IV. Series. QL1.S54 no. 598 [QL373.D4] 590 s—dc21 [593.4'6] 98-16422

Boury-Esnault, Nicole, and Klaus Rutzler, editors. Thesaurus of Sponge Morphology. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 596, 55 pages, 305 figures, 1997.—This is a vade mecum of terms for describing all aspects of sponge morphology, such as habit, surface structure, consistency, and anatomy. Definitions of microscopic features include aquiferous system, cytology, reproductive structures, skeletal architecture, and calcareous and siliceous spicules. Terms were selected and reviewed by an international group of 10 experts in sponge systematics, during several workshops. Each entry is accompanied by a precise diagnosis and an illustration. Terms listed as "rejected" are those judged unsuitable, redundant, or preoccupied. The thesaurus will aid descriptions in future systematic papers, computerized data banks, and identification keys. The literature cited presents a historical perspective on similar attempts to create a precise terminology of sponge morphology and helps to further clarify the selected terms. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Annals of the Smithsonian Institution. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Thesaurus of sponge morphology / Nicole Boury-Esnault and Klaus Rutzler. p. cm.—(Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 596) Includes bibliographical references (p. ). I. Sponges—Morphology—Terminology. I. Boury-Esnault, Nicole. II. Rutzler, Klaus. III. Series. QLl.S54no. 596 [QL374] 57l.3'I4'014-dc21 97-20213 © The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials Z39.48—1984.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Patterson, Colin The intermuscular bones and ligaments of teleostean fishes / Colin Patterson and G. David Johnson. p. cm. — (Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 559) Includes bibliographical references (p. 76). 1. Osteichthyes—Anatomy. 2. Bones. 3. Ligaments. 4. Muscles. I. Johnson, G. David. II. Title. III. Title: Teleostean fishes. IV. Series. QLl .S54no . 559 [QL639] 591 s—dc20 [597.50447] 94-10700 ® The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials Z39.48—1984.

Morphological variability is a widespread but poorly understood characteristic of many colonial animals. In this study morphologic variation in Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus 1767) from northeastern Brazil is examined. Colonies were collected from three depths: 0–5, 10–15 and 15–20 m at the Abrolhos reefs (Bahia state), and from a single depth (0–5 m) at Tamandare (Pernambuco state). Fifteen measurements or counts were made on each sample. They include the most important characteristics commonly used to separate species in the family Faviidae. The results of statistical analyses show that almost every character studied varies. Between colonies, localities and depth classes, the most variable features are the spacing of corallites, the diameter of corallite, the height of theca and of outer columella, the thickness of first cycle septa, the length of first cycle costae, and the thickness of fourth cycle costae. Canonical discriminant analyses show that the samples from 0–5 m are the most widely separated from samples collected at the other depth classes. Variability within populations is greater than between, but both are significant. Montastrea cavernosa in Brazil is characterized by high morphological variability and polymorphism within populations and cannot be completely explained by environmental variables.

Variation in polyp expansion; zooxanthellae density; coloration; and polyp shape, size, and density can be used to divide shallow water (

Springer, Victor G., C. Lavett Smith, and Thomas H. Fraser. Anisochromis straussi, New Species of Protogynous Hermaphroditic Fish, and Synonymy of Anisochromidae, Pseudoplesiopidae, and Pseudochromidae. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology^ number 252, 15 pages, 2 figures, 4 tables, 1977.—Anisochromis straussi is described from the isolated St. Brandon's Shoals in the southwestern Indian Ocean. The species exhibits two types of color patterns, which are correlated to some degree with size and sex. Histological sections of the gonads indicate that all testes have a nonfunctional cavity that represents the remnant of the ovarian lumen, and all have remnants of oocytes among the acini. The smaller specimens are female, the larger, males. Evidence is presented that the Anisochromidae, Pseudoplesiopidae, and Pseudochromidae form a monophyletic group. Evidence is also presented that within this group the Pseudoplesiopidae and Anisochromidae form a monophyletic group and each of these two taxa is definable based on autapomorphies. The Pseudochromidae appear to be a possibly polyphyletic primitive residue group that is not definable on the basis of autapomorphies. The lowest phylogenetic level for which there is evidence of monophyly among the fishes currently assigned to the Anisochromidae, Pseudoplesiopidae, and Pseudochromidae was chosen as the level for family recognition. Pseudochromidae is the oldest family-group name available for this level. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Springer, Victor Gruschka, 1928Anisochromis straussi, new species of protogynous hermaphroditic fish, and synonymy of Anisochromidae, Pseudoplesiopidae, and Pseudochromidae. (Smithsonian contributions to zoology : no 252) Bibliography, p. 1. Anisochromis straussi. 2. Pseudochromidae 3. Hermaphroditism. 4. Fishes—Mauritius— Cargados C'.arajos Shoals. I. Smith, C. Lavett, 1927, joint author. II. Fraser, Thomas H., joint author. III. Title: Anisochromis straussi. new species of protogynous hermaphroditic fish. . . IV. Series: Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 252. QL1.S54 no. 252 [QL638.P84] 591.'08s [597/58J 77-608069

The reef-building coral Montastrea cavernosa Linnaeus possesses sweeper tentacles which have enlarged nematocyst batteries. Sweeper tentacles appear to be used in defense of the coral's living space and may successfully deter mesenterial filament attacks from the more aggressive coral M. annularis. M. cavernosa therefore possesses a specialized defensive strategy that has not been taken into account by present models describing spatial competition in coral reef ecosystems.

The sediment rejection abilities of colonies of Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus) were monitored in a series of field and laboratory experiments. Under conditions of natural sediment deposition, colonies were capable of removing virtually all sediment from their surfaces. Equivalent sections of dead coral skeleton accumulated as much as 345 mg sediment · 25 cm−2 · day−1. Laboratory experiments show the sediment rejection process to consist of passive and active phases. Passive movement of sediment off colonies occurs at the time of initial sediment impact. Fine grain size, tall polyps, and convex colonies all enhance passive removal. Active removal involves the behavioral responses of the colony and is independent of sediment type or colony morphology. The presence of appropriate morphologies can increase the proportion of sediment passively removed and reduce the amount of work a colony must perform to keep its surface clear of sediment.

1. Colonies of M. cavernosa exhibit two separate types of activity cycle, one of nighttime expansion and one of night and daytime expansion. These activity cycles correspond to the nocturnal and diurnal morphs of this species.2. At the operational level, light per se controls expansion behavior. Colonies are sensitive to light and react quickly to it. This sensivitiy is not, on the short term, dependent on photosynthesis. The reaction to light of both morphs is one of contraction, but in the diurnal morph the contraction response is inhibited.3. The inhibition of daytime contraction only occurs in the diurnal morph, which has a high rate of photosynthesis, and only occurs above 20 m (in Panama). Loss of zooxanthellae, or removal to deep water, both of which reduce photosynthesis, results in the loss of daytime expansion.4. Although photosynthetically based light sensing is not involved in short term control of expansion behavior, colonies may measure their photosynthetic production, and if photosynthesis ...

Willis, Edwin O. The Behavior of Ocellated Antbirds. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 144, 57 pages, 25 figures, 1973.—A ten-year study of color-banded Ocellated Antbirds (Phaenostictus mcleannani) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, showed that they persistently follow army ants for arthropods flushed by the ants. Dominant over the smaller antbirds that follow ants, they take the best zone low over the center of an ant swarm and drop to the ground for prey. They rest and preen for long periods of maintenance behavior each day, probably because as dominant birds they get food easily. Alarm behavior is similar to that of other antbirds. Agonistic behavior contrasts with other antbirds in having a silent challenging display and an unusually wide spectrum of submissive calls and postures. Courtship is mainly courtship feeding and singing; monogamous mates stay together for years. The nest is probably sunk in the ground between tree buttresses. Males incubate in the morning and late afternoon, females in the early afternoon and at night. Males and females feed nestlings and fledglings. Pairs renest repeatedly during the rainy season, April to December, but nest predation is high. Young are feeding themselves a month after appearing at swarms with their parents, but then irregularly stay with their parents up to several months (females) or years (males). Loose patrilineal clans form, in which gene transfer between clans is mainly by movement of young females. Daughters-in-law are tolerated. Clan members sometimes forage together, but use much submissive display. They close ranks or "bunch" in disputes with other pairs or clans. The social system is somewhat like that of chimpanzee groups and perhaps like that of early man— two other dominant animals dependent on local and varying sources of food. The clan system permits complete overlap of home ranges of pairs. The parental pair in an area tends to dominate trespassing pairs and their own offspring. This social system permits great local concentration over good ant swarms. It is facilitated by tolerance for related birds, silent (and thus less disturbing) challenging, and by a wide variety of submissive displays. The Ocellated Antbirds on Barro Colorado concentrated at ant swarms on escarpment zones near the center of the island. Even with these concentrations, however, the species declined to near extirpation between 1960 and 1971. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year. SI PRESS NUMBER 4774. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Willis, Edwin O. The behavior of ocellated antbirds. (Smithsonian contributions to zoology, no. 144) 1. Ocellated antbird—Behavior. I. Title. II. Series: Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian contributions to zoology, no. 144. QL1.S54 no. 144 [QL696.P2] 591'.08s [598.1'11] 72-13261 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 Price 90 cents domestic postpaid, or 65 cents GPO Bookstore

Zooplankton feeding is a readily observed characteristic of many species of corals, but the importance of this mode of feeding has yet to be determined. The present study reports on the effects of intraspecific variability on zooplankton feeding in the reef coral Montastrea cavernosa and discusses the influence of this variability on the ecologic significance of planktivory.