Contribuição ao estudo das ascídias do Golfo do México coletadas durante os cruzeiros "Hourglass" (1965-1967)

Abstract

The oceanographic expeditions are conducted with the purpose of surveying poorly studied marine environments, gathering valuable information. The "Hourglass Cruises" were led by the Research Laboratory of Marine Conservation Board and Florida in the 1960s and considered one of the major oceanographic expeditions in the Gulf of Mexico. During the campaigns, samples of various taxa were collected, including representatives of Ascidiacea - a group with little knowledge for the region. The animals were collected with a steel dredge and placed in 10% formalin for at least 24 hours for fixation, subsequently placed in 40% isopropyl alcohol, and finally preserved in 70% ethanol. Specimens of the families Polyclinidae, Holozoidae, Polycitoridae and Euherdmaniidae were studied, yielding 22 diferent species. The most speciouse genera were Aplidium and Eudistoma. The fauna from the region is composed of a mixture of tropical and more temperate species, a pattern also known for other marine invertebrate taxa.