Tamoya haplonema (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) from Uruguayan and adjacent waters: oceanographic context of new and historical findings. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leoni, Valentina; González, Silvana; Ortega, Leonardo; Scarabino, Fabrizio; Failla Siquier, Gabriela; Dutra, Alicia; Rubio, Luis; Abreu, Martin; Serra, Wilson; Alonzo Campi, Ana; Stampar, Sergio; Morandini, André
• Is Part Of: Marine biodiversity records. Volume 9:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Box jellyfish -- Tamoya haplonema -- Uruguay -- South Atlantic; Marine biodiversity -- Periodicals; Marine biology -- Periodicals; 578.77
• DOI: 10.1186/s41200-016-0093-7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-2672

Abstract

Abstract New records of the cubozoan jellyfishTamoya haplonema in Uruguayan waters are reported together with historical records for the region, and associated with the oceanographic conditions at the moment of the finding. Occurrences of the species are mainly associated with positive Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies especially during summer months when the intrusion of warm oceanic waters to the Uruguayan coastline is stronger. This was particularly strong during 2012–2013, when a dry period enhanced this scenario. This species is the only cubozoan present in Uruguay, with a sporadic occurrence and so far has no appreciated negative effects on public health. However, from observed increasing frequency of positive temperature anomalies it would be reasonable to predict a future southward shift in the latitudinal distribution ofT. haplonema . In this context, occurrence of this toxic species along Uruguayan coastal waters must be considered with particular attention to the potential negative impact on tourism and on general public health.