Estudo sobre a saúde de Zoantídeos (Cnidaria: anthozoa) no ambiente Recifal do Cabo Branco, João Pessoa - PB.

Abstract

Zoanthids (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) are invertebrate organisms belonging to the subclass Hexacorallia and order Zoantharia, which comprise several genera and species. The species Palythoa caribaeorum and Zoanthus sociatus are very common, occurring all along the Brazilian coast and being abundantly found in shallow natural pools. The aim of this study was to provide a qualitative and quantitative description of the diversity of zoanthids and to monitor the state of health of the cover in the reef environment of Cabo Branco beach, João Pessoa - PB. The study area was Cabo Branco beach, which is located in the municipality of João Pessoa, in the state of Paraíba. Data collection began in February until August 2023, during the first month of which a field reconnaissance was carried out. Instruments from the Marine Invertebrate Research and Teaching Laboratory, Center for Education and Health, Federal University of Campina Grande. Were used to record abiotic variables (surface seawater temperature and salinity). The survey of biotic variables, especially zoanthid coverage, was carried out using linear transects. The results showed that the abiotic variables of surface seawater temperature (27oC ± 1.55 d.p) and salinity (35 p.p.m) were in line with the expected values. With regard to the biotic results, the occurrence of the species Palythoa caribaeorum was higher than the coverage of Zoanthus sociatus in the environment, and there were no records of diseased colonies. It is considered that the Cabo Branco reef environment is constantly suffering from anthropogenic actions. Therefore, constant monitoring based on the analysis of abiotic variations is extremely valuable for understanding and seeking conservation alternatives.