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Papers by Charles Messing

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular evidence for multiple lineages in the gorgonian family Plexauridae (Anthozoa: Octocorallia)

Marine Biology, Jan 5, 2005

Octocorals are diverse and abundant on many marine hard substrates, and, within this group, membe... more Octocorals are diverse and abundant on many marine hard substrates, and, within this group, members of the family Plexauridae are an important component of tropical reef assemblages, especially in the Caribbean. To understand historical relationships within this large and diverse assemblage, and to test the monophyly of the family and some of its genera, DNA sequences of two mitochondrial loci (msh1 and ND2, $1,185 bp) were analyzed from 46 species in 21 genera from deep and shallow waters in the tropical western Atlantic and in the tropical western and eastern Pacific (plus 9 taxa in the closely related Gorgoniidae and 1 species of the more distantly related Alcyoniidae). Five strongly supported clades were recovered. Three large clades correspond roughly to the Plexauridae, Paramuriceidae, and Gorgoniidae, and two smaller clades were comprised of taxa previously assigned to several families. Astrogorgia sp. did not group with any of the clades. The mutual relationships among the five clades remain unclear. Several genera previously regarded as unrelated appear to be grouped among the three ''families''; e.g. Hypnogorgia sp. (Paramuriceidae) falls within a clade consisting of both Pacific and Atlantic Muricea spp. (Plexauridae), while Swiftia sp., Scleracis sp., and an Atlantic Thesea sp. (all Paramuriceidae) group with the gorgoniids. In several instances, genera containing Atlantic and Pacific species were recovered as monophyletic (Muricea spp., Bebryce spp.). However, in at least three cases (Echinomuricea spp., Thesea spp., Villogorgia spp.), placement of Atlantic and Pacific species in the same genus may reflect convergence of sclerite morphology. The results indicate a strong need for reexamination of octocoral taxonomy using a combination of molecular, morphological, and chemical evidence.

Research paper thumbnail of Habitat Characterization, Distribution, and Areal Extent of Deep-sea Coral Ecosystems off Florida, Southeastern U.S.A

Caribbean Journal of Science, 2013

The deep-sea (200-1000 m) seafloor off the southeastern U.S. has a variety of extensive deep-sea ... more The deep-sea (200-1000 m) seafloor off the southeastern U.S. has a variety of extensive deep-sea coral ecosystem (DSCE) habitats including: deep-water coral mounds; various hard-bottom habitats off Florida including the Miami Terrace, Pourtalès Terrace, and deep-water canyons (Agassiz and Tortugas Valleys); and deep island slopes off western Bahamas and northern Cuba. The dominant structure-forming scleractinian corals are Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia profunda; other structure-forming taxa include stylasterid corals, gorgonians, black corals, and sponges. This biota is associated with hard-bottom seafloor of variable high-relief topography which can be remotely identified from bathymetric data. NOAA bathymetric contour maps and digital elevation models were used to identify and delineate the areal extent of potential DSCE habitat in the region from northeastern Florida through the Straits of Florida. These were ground-truthed with 241 dives with submersibles and remotely operated vehicles which confirmed deep-sea coral habitat. We estimate a total of 39,910 km 2 of DSCE habitat in this region. By comparison, the estimated areal extent of shallow-water coral habitat for all U.S. waters is 36,813 km 2 . Bottom trawling remains the greatest threat to DSCEs worldwide, and as a result NOAA has established five deep-water Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (CHAPCs), encompassing 62,714 km 2 from North Carolina to south Florida, which will protect much of the known deep-sea coral habitat in this region. High-resolution surveys are not only critical to define DSCE habitats but also to define areas devoid of coral and sponge habitats that may allow for potential bottom fisheries and energy development. Reed 2008), and the percentage of seafloor explored visually with human occupied submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) remains small. In the broad sense, DSCEs in this region occur at depths of 50 m to >1000 m and consist of structureforming, deep-water corals (including scleractinian corals, gorgonian octocorals, black corals, and stylasterid hydrozoan corals) and other associated structureforming species such as sponges, bryozoans, and hydroids, all of which may provide habitat to hundreds of species of invertebrates

Research paper thumbnail of Habitat, Fauna, and Conservation of Florida's Deep-Water Coral Reefs

Agu Spring Meeting Abstracts, Apr 29, 2008

Various types of deep-water coral habitats are common off the southeastern United States from the... more Various types of deep-water coral habitats are common off the southeastern United States from the Blake Plateau through the Straits of Florida to the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Expeditions in the past decade with the Johnson-Sea- Link manned submersibles, ROVs, and AUVs have discovered, mapped and compiled data on the status, distribution, habitat, and biodiversity for many of these relatively unknown deep-sea coral ecosystems. We have discovered over three hundred, high relief (15-152-m tall) coral mounds (depth 700-800 m) along the length of eastern Florida (700 km). The north Florida sites are rocky lithoherms, whereas the southern sites are primarily classic coral bioherms, capped with dense 1-2 m tall thickets of Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia profunda. Off southeastern Florida, the Miami Terrace escarpment (depth 300-600 m) extends nearly 150 km as a steep, rocky slope of Miocene-age phosphoritic limestone, which provides habitat for a rich biodiversity of fish and benthic invertebrates. Off the Florida Keys, the Pourtalès Terrace (depth 200- 460 m) has extensive high-relief bioherms and numerous deep-water sinkholes to depths of 250-610 m and diameters up to 800 m. The dominant, deep-water, colonial scleractinian corals in this region include Oculina varicosa, L. pertusa, E. profunda, Madrepora oculata, and Solenosmilia variabilis. Other coral species include hydrozoans (Stylasteridae), bamboo octocorals (Isididae), numerous other gorgonians, and black corals (Antipatharia). These structure-forming taxa provide habitat and living space for a relatively unknown but biologically rich and diverse community of crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, polychaete and sipunculan worms, and associated fishes. We have identified 142 taxa of benthic macro-invertebrates, including 66 Porifera and 57 Cnidaria. Nearly 100 species of fish have been identified to date in association with these deep-water coral habitats. Paull et al. (2000) estimated that over 40,000 individual deep-water lithoherms may occur on the Blake Plateau and Straits of Florida, perhaps exceeding the areal extent of all the shallow-water reefs of the southeastern U.S. Our research program has provided data on the status of knowledge concerning these deep-reef habitats to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC). Currently pending is a proposal by the SAFMC for a deep- water coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC) that would extend from North Carolina to south Florida (78,888 km2) to protect these diverse and irreplaceable resources from destructive fishing activities such as bottom trawling. Deep-water reefs worldwide have been severely impacted by bottom trawling, including the deep-water Oculina coral reefs off central eastern Florida, which are structurally similar to the Lophelia reefs. Over a 30-year period, up to 99% of unprotected portions of the Oculina reefs were destroyed by rock shrimp trawling, whereas reefs designated as the Oculina HAPC in 1984 were protected from trawling and long-lines and are still relatively healthy. Numerous fisheries may target the deep-water Lophelia reef habitat including royal red shrimp, golden crab, and various fin fish.

Research paper thumbnail of Biological Results of the University of Miami Deep-Sea Expeditions. 129.Zoogeography of Tropical Western Atlantic Crinoidea (Echinodermata)

Bulletin of Marine Science -Miami-

The genus Chrionema Gilbert, 1905 is reviewed. Four species are recognized: C. squamentum and C. ... more The genus Chrionema Gilbert, 1905 is reviewed. Four species are recognized: C. squamentum and C. squamiceps, previously placed in Chriomystax Ginsburg, 1955, and C. chryseres and C. ch/orotaenia. Chrionema is readily separable from other percophidid genera by the absence of maxillary tentacles and the number of fin elements. The four species are distinguishable on the basis of squamation, meristic characters, and pigmentation pattern. The disjunct distributions of the species are discussed and com-

Research paper thumbnail of Calypso U.S. Pipeline, LLC, Mile Post (MP) 31 -MP 0 Deep-water Marine Benthic Video Survey

Research paper thumbnail of Poster Presentation- “Distribution and habitat characterization of deep-sea coral ecosystem habitat off Florida, southeastern United States

Research paper thumbnail of Distribution and characterization of deep-sea coral ecosystem habitats off southeastern United States. Abstract and presentation

The deep-sea (200-1000 m) seafloor off the southeastern U.S. has a variety of extensive deep-sea ... more The deep-sea (200-1000 m) seafloor off the southeastern U.S. has a variety of extensive deep-sea coral ecosystem (DSCE) habitats including: deep-water coral mounds; various hard-bottom habitats off Florida including the Miami Terrace, Pourtalès Terrace, and deep-water canyons (Agassiz and Tortugas Valleys); and deep island slopes off western Bahamas and northern Cuba. The dominant structure-forming scleractinian corals are Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia profunda; other structure-forming taxa include stylasterid corals, gorgonians, black corals, and sponges. This biota is associated with hard-bottom seafloor of variable high-relief topography which can be remotely identified from bathymetric data. NOAA bathymetric contour maps and digital elevation models were used to identify and delineate the areal extent of potential DSCE habitat in the region from northeastern Florida through the Straits of Florida. These were ground-truthed with 241 dives with submersibles and remotely operated vehicles which confirmed deep-sea coral habitat. We estimate a total of 39,910 km 2 of DSCE habitat in this region. By comparison, the estimated areal extent of shallow-water coral habitat for all U.S. waters is 36,813 km 2 . Bottom trawling remains the greatest threat to DSCEs worldwide, and as a result NOAA has established five deep-water Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (CHAPCs), encompassing 62,714 km 2 from North Carolina to south Florida, which will protect much of the known deep-sea coral habitat in this region. High-resolution surveys are not only critical to define DSCE habitats but also to define areas devoid of coral and sponge habitats that may allow for potential bottom fisheries and energy development. Reed 2008), and the percentage of seafloor explored visually with human occupied submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) remains small. In the broad sense, DSCEs in this region occur at depths of 50 m to >1000 m and consist of structureforming, deep-water corals (including scleractinian corals, gorgonian octocorals, black corals, and stylasterid hydrozoan corals) and other associated structureforming species such as sponges, bryozoans, and hydroids, all of which may provide habitat to hundreds of species of invertebrates

Research paper thumbnail of Three new species of Comasteridae (Echinodermata, Crinoidea) from the tropical western Pacific

Three new species of unstalked crinoids (Echinodermata, Crinoidea) belonging to the comasterid ge... more Three new species of unstalked crinoids (Echinodermata, Crinoidea) belonging to the comasterid genera Comactinia A. H. Clark, 1909, Capillaster A. H. Clark, 1909 and Cenolia A. H. Clark, 1916 from depths of 73-310 m, are described. Comactinia titan n. sp., from the Philippines and New Caledonia, which bears thicker arms than any other comasterid, is the first representative of its

Research paper thumbnail of Growth, injury, and population dynamics in the extant cyrtocrinid <I>Holopus mikihe</I> (Crinoidea, Echinodermata) near Roatán, Honduras

Bulletin of Marine Science, 2014

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Biozonation of Deep-Water Lithoherms and Associated Hardgrounds in the Northeastern Straits of Florida

PALAIOS, 1990

... 2 Stalked ball 4 Echinodermata Pachastrellidae (white wall) 3 IDiplocrinus maclearanus 85+ Li... more ... 2 Stalked ball 4 Echinodermata Pachastrellidae (white wall) 3 IDiplocrinus maclearanus 85+ Lithistida (all species) 40+ Endoxocrinus parrae 8 Small sphere 6 Isocrinus blakei 5 Encrustingsponge 8 Democrinus sp. ... 3 Crinometra brevipinna 4 Hyalonema sp. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Compositional and Taphonomic Variations in Modern Crinoid-Rich Sediments from the Deep-Water Margin of a Carbonate Bank

PALAIOS, 1993

... of a Carbonate Bank GHISLAINE LLEWELLYN ... by local topography, reached perhaps 50 cm sec-1 ... more ... of a Carbonate Bank GHISLAINE LLEWELLYN ... by local topography, reached perhaps 50 cm sec-1 within a meter of the substrate. Time-lapse camera exposures (Messing and Llewellyn, unpubl.) reveal a complete cur-rent reversal within 48 hr of the initial observations. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Taphonomy of Isocrinid Stalks: Influence of Decay and Autotomy

Research paper thumbnail of Light and vision in the deep-sea benthos: I. Bioluminescence at 500-1000 m depth in the Bahamian Islands

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2012

Bioluminescence is common and well studied in mesopelagic species. However, the extent of biolumi... more Bioluminescence is common and well studied in mesopelagic species. However, the extent of bioluminescence in benthic sites of similar depths is far less studied, although the relatively large eyes of benthic fish, crustaceans and cephalopods at bathyal depths suggest the presence of significant biogenic light. Using the Johnson-Sea-Link submersible, we collected numerous species of cnidarians, echinoderms, crustaceans, cephalopods and sponges, as well as one annelid from three sites in the northern Bahamas (500-1000m depth). Using mechanical and chemical stimulation, we tested the collected species for light emission, and photographed and measured the spectra of the emitted light. In addition, in situ intensified video and still photos were taken of different benthic habitats. Surprisingly, bioluminescence in benthic animals at these sites was far less common than in mesopelagic animals from similar depths, with less than 20% of the collected species emitting light. Bioluminescent taxa comprised two species of anemone (Actinaria), a new genus and species of flabellate Parazoanthidae (formerly Gerardia sp.) (Zoanthidea), three sea pens (Pennatulacea), three bamboo corals (Alcyonacea), the chrysogorgiid coral Chrysogorgia desbonni (Alcyonacea), the caridean shrimp Parapandalus sp. and Heterocarpus ensifer (Decapoda), two holothuroids (Elasipodida and Aspidochirota) and the ophiuroid Ophiochiton ternispinus (Ophiurida). Except for the ophiuroid and the two shrimp, which emitted blue light (peak wavelengths 470 and 455nm), all the species produced greener light than that measured in most mesopelagic taxa, with the emissions of the pennatulaceans being strongly shifted towards longer wavelengths. In situ observations suggested that bioluminescence associated with these sites was due primarily to light emitted by bioluminescent planktonic species as they struck filter feeders that extended into the water column.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-Paleozoic crinoid radiation in response to benthic predation preceded the Mesozoic marine revolution

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2010

It has been argued that increases in predation over geological time should result in increases in... more It has been argued that increases in predation over geological time should result in increases in defensive adaptations in prey taxa. Recent in situ and laboratory observations indicate that cidaroid sea urchins feed on live stalked crinoids, leaving distinct bite marks on their skeletal elements. Similar bite marks on fossil crinoids from Poland strongly suggest that these animals have been subject to echinoid predation since the Triassic. Following their near-demise during the end-Permian extinction, crinoids underwent a major evolutionary radiation during the Middle-Late Triassic that produced distinct morphological and behavioral novelties, particularly motile taxa that contrasted strongly with the predominantly sessile Paleozoic crinoid faunas. We suggest that the appearance and subsequent evolutionary success of motile crinoids were related to benthic predation by post-Paleozoic echinoids with their stronger and more active feeding apparatus and that, in the case of crinoids, the predation-driven Mesozoic marine revolution started earlier than in other groups, perhaps soon after the end-Permian extinction. macroecology | macroevolution | predation | escalation | cidaroids

Research paper thumbnail of Urchins in the meadow: paleobiological and evolutionary implications of cidaroid predation on crinoids

Paleobiology, 2008

Deep-sea submersible observations made in the Bahamas revealed interactions between the stalked c... more Deep-sea submersible observations made in the Bahamas revealed interactions between the stalked crinoid Endoxocrinus parrae and the cidaroid sea urchin Calocidaris micans. The in situ observations include occurrence of cidaroids within ''meadows'' of sea lilies, close proximity of cidaroids to several upended isocrinids, a cidaroid perched over the distal end of the stalk of an upended isocrinid, and disarticulated crinoid cirri and columnals directly underneath a specimen of C. micans. Guts of two C. micans collected from the crinoid meadow contain up to 70% crinoid material. Two of three large museum specimens of another cidaroid species, Histocidaris nuttingi, contain 14-99% crinoid material.

Research paper thumbnail of Using a combined approach to explain the morphological and ecological diversity in Phanogenia gracilis Hartlaub, 1893 (Echinodermata: Crinoidea) sensu lato: two species or intraspecific variation?

Marine Biology, 2009

Phanogenia gracilis sensu lato is a shallow-water crinoid distributed throughout the Indo-western... more Phanogenia gracilis sensu lato is a shallow-water crinoid distributed throughout the Indo-western PaciWc. The taxonomy of P. gracilis s.l. is clouded by the presence of two distinct morphotypes, each diVering in morphology and ecology. The goal was to determine the taxonomic status of P. gracilis s.l. using partial gene sequences of two mitochondrial DNA genes, cytochrome oxidase c subunit I and NADH dehydrogenase subunit II, in conjunction with morphological and ecological data. The molecular phylogenies revealed three lineages separated by 5.0-6.6% corrected genetic distance, which is consistent with the genetic distances among other echinoderm species. Neither morphotype was monophyletic, nor was any examined morphological character exclusive to any one lineage. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) of the morphological and ecological data yielded signiWcant results when grouping P. gracilis by morphotype and by clades recovered in the phylogenetic analyses, but grouping by sample locality was rejected. Although DFA results of grouping by clade were signiWcant, jackknife support was weak, while only correctly grouping specimens by their respective clades 65% of the time. The results suggest the possibility of cryptic species, but additional molecular and morphological data are needed to conWrm this. This study demonstrates the need to reevaluate the taxonomy of crinoid species and their respective diagnostic characters.

Research paper thumbnail of Lack of chemical defense in two species of stalked crinoids: support for the predation hypothesis for mesozoic bathymetric restriction

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 1999

Methanol / dichloromethane extracts of (1) the arms and pinnules, and (2) the stalk and cirri of ... more Methanol / dichloromethane extracts of (1) the arms and pinnules, and (2) the stalk and cirri of the deep water stalked crinoids Endoxocrinus parrae (Gervais) and Neocrinus decorus (Carpenter) were imbedded at ecologically relevant volumetric concentrations in alginate food pellets containing 2% krill as a feeding stimulant and presented in situ to an assemblage of shallow-water reef fish. Experimental pellets were highly palatable to reef fish; no significant differences in pellet consumption occurred between experimental pellets containing extracts from either species of stalked crinoid or control pellets. Small pieces of cirri, stalks, calyx, arms and pinnules of both species were also tested in in situ feeding assays. While immediate consumption by fish was not apparent, Blue Headed Wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum (Block)) and Dusky Damselfish (Stegastes fuscus (Cuvier)) bit at pieces of each body component. Similar fish biting behaviors were also observed when two living Endoxocrinus parrae were deployed on the shallow reef. Observations indicate that neither species of stalked crinoid is chemically defended from predation by a natural assemblage of reef fish. This supports the predation hypothesis that restriction of stalked crinoids in deep-water habitats may have resulted from the Mesozoic radiation of durophagous fishes in shallow seas, resulting in a reduction of stalked crinoids from shallow water.

Research paper thumbnail of Revision of the recent Indo–West Pacific comatulid genus Comaster Agassiz. Part 1. The type species of Comaster and Phanogenia Lovén (Echinodermata : Crinoidea : Comasteridae)

Invertebrate Systematics, 1998

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Unique morphology in the living bathyal feather star, Atelecrinus (Echinodermata: Crinoidea)

Invertebrate Biology, 2005

... 286 Messing Fig. 5. Atelecrinus balanoides. Schematic lateral view of centrodor-sal and bases... more ... 286 Messing Fig. 5. Atelecrinus balanoides. Schematic lateral view of centrodor-sal and bases of two rays with right arm of left ray and left arm of right ray removed to show articulations and apposed pair of proboli adidas (Pa). ... 287 Fig. 6. Axils showing the probolus adidas. ac. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Artificial keys to the genera of living stalked crinoids (Echinodermata)

Bulletin of marine science, 2002

Two practical, illustrated, dichotomous keys to the 29 genera of living stalked crinoids are prov... more Two practical, illustrated, dichotomous keys to the 29 genera of living stalked crinoids are provided: one for entire animals and one for stalk ossicles and fragments. These are accompanied by (1) an overview of taxonomically important morphology, and (2) an alphabetical list by family and genus of the ~95 nominal living species and their distribution by region. This is the first compilation of such data for all living stalked crinoids since Carpenter (1884) recognized 27 species in six genera in his monograph based on the H.M.S. CHALLENGER Expedition collection.

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular evidence for multiple lineages in the gorgonian family Plexauridae (Anthozoa: Octocorallia)

Marine Biology, Jan 5, 2005

Octocorals are diverse and abundant on many marine hard substrates, and, within this group, membe... more Octocorals are diverse and abundant on many marine hard substrates, and, within this group, members of the family Plexauridae are an important component of tropical reef assemblages, especially in the Caribbean. To understand historical relationships within this large and diverse assemblage, and to test the monophyly of the family and some of its genera, DNA sequences of two mitochondrial loci (msh1 and ND2, $1,185 bp) were analyzed from 46 species in 21 genera from deep and shallow waters in the tropical western Atlantic and in the tropical western and eastern Pacific (plus 9 taxa in the closely related Gorgoniidae and 1 species of the more distantly related Alcyoniidae). Five strongly supported clades were recovered. Three large clades correspond roughly to the Plexauridae, Paramuriceidae, and Gorgoniidae, and two smaller clades were comprised of taxa previously assigned to several families. Astrogorgia sp. did not group with any of the clades. The mutual relationships among the five clades remain unclear. Several genera previously regarded as unrelated appear to be grouped among the three ''families''; e.g. Hypnogorgia sp. (Paramuriceidae) falls within a clade consisting of both Pacific and Atlantic Muricea spp. (Plexauridae), while Swiftia sp., Scleracis sp., and an Atlantic Thesea sp. (all Paramuriceidae) group with the gorgoniids. In several instances, genera containing Atlantic and Pacific species were recovered as monophyletic (Muricea spp., Bebryce spp.). However, in at least three cases (Echinomuricea spp., Thesea spp., Villogorgia spp.), placement of Atlantic and Pacific species in the same genus may reflect convergence of sclerite morphology. The results indicate a strong need for reexamination of octocoral taxonomy using a combination of molecular, morphological, and chemical evidence.

Research paper thumbnail of Habitat Characterization, Distribution, and Areal Extent of Deep-sea Coral Ecosystems off Florida, Southeastern U.S.A

Caribbean Journal of Science, 2013

The deep-sea (200-1000 m) seafloor off the southeastern U.S. has a variety of extensive deep-sea ... more The deep-sea (200-1000 m) seafloor off the southeastern U.S. has a variety of extensive deep-sea coral ecosystem (DSCE) habitats including: deep-water coral mounds; various hard-bottom habitats off Florida including the Miami Terrace, Pourtalès Terrace, and deep-water canyons (Agassiz and Tortugas Valleys); and deep island slopes off western Bahamas and northern Cuba. The dominant structure-forming scleractinian corals are Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia profunda; other structure-forming taxa include stylasterid corals, gorgonians, black corals, and sponges. This biota is associated with hard-bottom seafloor of variable high-relief topography which can be remotely identified from bathymetric data. NOAA bathymetric contour maps and digital elevation models were used to identify and delineate the areal extent of potential DSCE habitat in the region from northeastern Florida through the Straits of Florida. These were ground-truthed with 241 dives with submersibles and remotely operated vehicles which confirmed deep-sea coral habitat. We estimate a total of 39,910 km 2 of DSCE habitat in this region. By comparison, the estimated areal extent of shallow-water coral habitat for all U.S. waters is 36,813 km 2 . Bottom trawling remains the greatest threat to DSCEs worldwide, and as a result NOAA has established five deep-water Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (CHAPCs), encompassing 62,714 km 2 from North Carolina to south Florida, which will protect much of the known deep-sea coral habitat in this region. High-resolution surveys are not only critical to define DSCE habitats but also to define areas devoid of coral and sponge habitats that may allow for potential bottom fisheries and energy development. Reed 2008), and the percentage of seafloor explored visually with human occupied submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) remains small. In the broad sense, DSCEs in this region occur at depths of 50 m to >1000 m and consist of structureforming, deep-water corals (including scleractinian corals, gorgonian octocorals, black corals, and stylasterid hydrozoan corals) and other associated structureforming species such as sponges, bryozoans, and hydroids, all of which may provide habitat to hundreds of species of invertebrates

Research paper thumbnail of Habitat, Fauna, and Conservation of Florida's Deep-Water Coral Reefs

Agu Spring Meeting Abstracts, Apr 29, 2008

Various types of deep-water coral habitats are common off the southeastern United States from the... more Various types of deep-water coral habitats are common off the southeastern United States from the Blake Plateau through the Straits of Florida to the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Expeditions in the past decade with the Johnson-Sea- Link manned submersibles, ROVs, and AUVs have discovered, mapped and compiled data on the status, distribution, habitat, and biodiversity for many of these relatively unknown deep-sea coral ecosystems. We have discovered over three hundred, high relief (15-152-m tall) coral mounds (depth 700-800 m) along the length of eastern Florida (700 km). The north Florida sites are rocky lithoherms, whereas the southern sites are primarily classic coral bioherms, capped with dense 1-2 m tall thickets of Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia profunda. Off southeastern Florida, the Miami Terrace escarpment (depth 300-600 m) extends nearly 150 km as a steep, rocky slope of Miocene-age phosphoritic limestone, which provides habitat for a rich biodiversity of fish and benthic invertebrates. Off the Florida Keys, the Pourtalès Terrace (depth 200- 460 m) has extensive high-relief bioherms and numerous deep-water sinkholes to depths of 250-610 m and diameters up to 800 m. The dominant, deep-water, colonial scleractinian corals in this region include Oculina varicosa, L. pertusa, E. profunda, Madrepora oculata, and Solenosmilia variabilis. Other coral species include hydrozoans (Stylasteridae), bamboo octocorals (Isididae), numerous other gorgonians, and black corals (Antipatharia). These structure-forming taxa provide habitat and living space for a relatively unknown but biologically rich and diverse community of crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, polychaete and sipunculan worms, and associated fishes. We have identified 142 taxa of benthic macro-invertebrates, including 66 Porifera and 57 Cnidaria. Nearly 100 species of fish have been identified to date in association with these deep-water coral habitats. Paull et al. (2000) estimated that over 40,000 individual deep-water lithoherms may occur on the Blake Plateau and Straits of Florida, perhaps exceeding the areal extent of all the shallow-water reefs of the southeastern U.S. Our research program has provided data on the status of knowledge concerning these deep-reef habitats to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC). Currently pending is a proposal by the SAFMC for a deep- water coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC) that would extend from North Carolina to south Florida (78,888 km2) to protect these diverse and irreplaceable resources from destructive fishing activities such as bottom trawling. Deep-water reefs worldwide have been severely impacted by bottom trawling, including the deep-water Oculina coral reefs off central eastern Florida, which are structurally similar to the Lophelia reefs. Over a 30-year period, up to 99% of unprotected portions of the Oculina reefs were destroyed by rock shrimp trawling, whereas reefs designated as the Oculina HAPC in 1984 were protected from trawling and long-lines and are still relatively healthy. Numerous fisheries may target the deep-water Lophelia reef habitat including royal red shrimp, golden crab, and various fin fish.

Research paper thumbnail of Biological Results of the University of Miami Deep-Sea Expeditions. 129.Zoogeography of Tropical Western Atlantic Crinoidea (Echinodermata)

Bulletin of Marine Science -Miami-

The genus Chrionema Gilbert, 1905 is reviewed. Four species are recognized: C. squamentum and C. ... more The genus Chrionema Gilbert, 1905 is reviewed. Four species are recognized: C. squamentum and C. squamiceps, previously placed in Chriomystax Ginsburg, 1955, and C. chryseres and C. ch/orotaenia. Chrionema is readily separable from other percophidid genera by the absence of maxillary tentacles and the number of fin elements. The four species are distinguishable on the basis of squamation, meristic characters, and pigmentation pattern. The disjunct distributions of the species are discussed and com-

Research paper thumbnail of Calypso U.S. Pipeline, LLC, Mile Post (MP) 31 -MP 0 Deep-water Marine Benthic Video Survey

Research paper thumbnail of Poster Presentation- “Distribution and habitat characterization of deep-sea coral ecosystem habitat off Florida, southeastern United States

Research paper thumbnail of Distribution and characterization of deep-sea coral ecosystem habitats off southeastern United States. Abstract and presentation

The deep-sea (200-1000 m) seafloor off the southeastern U.S. has a variety of extensive deep-sea ... more The deep-sea (200-1000 m) seafloor off the southeastern U.S. has a variety of extensive deep-sea coral ecosystem (DSCE) habitats including: deep-water coral mounds; various hard-bottom habitats off Florida including the Miami Terrace, Pourtalès Terrace, and deep-water canyons (Agassiz and Tortugas Valleys); and deep island slopes off western Bahamas and northern Cuba. The dominant structure-forming scleractinian corals are Lophelia pertusa and Enallopsammia profunda; other structure-forming taxa include stylasterid corals, gorgonians, black corals, and sponges. This biota is associated with hard-bottom seafloor of variable high-relief topography which can be remotely identified from bathymetric data. NOAA bathymetric contour maps and digital elevation models were used to identify and delineate the areal extent of potential DSCE habitat in the region from northeastern Florida through the Straits of Florida. These were ground-truthed with 241 dives with submersibles and remotely operated vehicles which confirmed deep-sea coral habitat. We estimate a total of 39,910 km 2 of DSCE habitat in this region. By comparison, the estimated areal extent of shallow-water coral habitat for all U.S. waters is 36,813 km 2 . Bottom trawling remains the greatest threat to DSCEs worldwide, and as a result NOAA has established five deep-water Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (CHAPCs), encompassing 62,714 km 2 from North Carolina to south Florida, which will protect much of the known deep-sea coral habitat in this region. High-resolution surveys are not only critical to define DSCE habitats but also to define areas devoid of coral and sponge habitats that may allow for potential bottom fisheries and energy development. Reed 2008), and the percentage of seafloor explored visually with human occupied submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) remains small. In the broad sense, DSCEs in this region occur at depths of 50 m to >1000 m and consist of structureforming, deep-water corals (including scleractinian corals, gorgonian octocorals, black corals, and stylasterid hydrozoan corals) and other associated structureforming species such as sponges, bryozoans, and hydroids, all of which may provide habitat to hundreds of species of invertebrates

Research paper thumbnail of Three new species of Comasteridae (Echinodermata, Crinoidea) from the tropical western Pacific

Three new species of unstalked crinoids (Echinodermata, Crinoidea) belonging to the comasterid ge... more Three new species of unstalked crinoids (Echinodermata, Crinoidea) belonging to the comasterid genera Comactinia A. H. Clark, 1909, Capillaster A. H. Clark, 1909 and Cenolia A. H. Clark, 1916 from depths of 73-310 m, are described. Comactinia titan n. sp., from the Philippines and New Caledonia, which bears thicker arms than any other comasterid, is the first representative of its

Research paper thumbnail of Growth, injury, and population dynamics in the extant cyrtocrinid <I>Holopus mikihe</I> (Crinoidea, Echinodermata) near Roatán, Honduras

Bulletin of Marine Science, 2014

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Biozonation of Deep-Water Lithoherms and Associated Hardgrounds in the Northeastern Straits of Florida

PALAIOS, 1990

... 2 Stalked ball 4 Echinodermata Pachastrellidae (white wall) 3 IDiplocrinus maclearanus 85+ Li... more ... 2 Stalked ball 4 Echinodermata Pachastrellidae (white wall) 3 IDiplocrinus maclearanus 85+ Lithistida (all species) 40+ Endoxocrinus parrae 8 Small sphere 6 Isocrinus blakei 5 Encrustingsponge 8 Democrinus sp. ... 3 Crinometra brevipinna 4 Hyalonema sp. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Compositional and Taphonomic Variations in Modern Crinoid-Rich Sediments from the Deep-Water Margin of a Carbonate Bank

PALAIOS, 1993

... of a Carbonate Bank GHISLAINE LLEWELLYN ... by local topography, reached perhaps 50 cm sec-1 ... more ... of a Carbonate Bank GHISLAINE LLEWELLYN ... by local topography, reached perhaps 50 cm sec-1 within a meter of the substrate. Time-lapse camera exposures (Messing and Llewellyn, unpubl.) reveal a complete cur-rent reversal within 48 hr of the initial observations. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Taphonomy of Isocrinid Stalks: Influence of Decay and Autotomy

Research paper thumbnail of Light and vision in the deep-sea benthos: I. Bioluminescence at 500-1000 m depth in the Bahamian Islands

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2012

Bioluminescence is common and well studied in mesopelagic species. However, the extent of biolumi... more Bioluminescence is common and well studied in mesopelagic species. However, the extent of bioluminescence in benthic sites of similar depths is far less studied, although the relatively large eyes of benthic fish, crustaceans and cephalopods at bathyal depths suggest the presence of significant biogenic light. Using the Johnson-Sea-Link submersible, we collected numerous species of cnidarians, echinoderms, crustaceans, cephalopods and sponges, as well as one annelid from three sites in the northern Bahamas (500-1000m depth). Using mechanical and chemical stimulation, we tested the collected species for light emission, and photographed and measured the spectra of the emitted light. In addition, in situ intensified video and still photos were taken of different benthic habitats. Surprisingly, bioluminescence in benthic animals at these sites was far less common than in mesopelagic animals from similar depths, with less than 20% of the collected species emitting light. Bioluminescent taxa comprised two species of anemone (Actinaria), a new genus and species of flabellate Parazoanthidae (formerly Gerardia sp.) (Zoanthidea), three sea pens (Pennatulacea), three bamboo corals (Alcyonacea), the chrysogorgiid coral Chrysogorgia desbonni (Alcyonacea), the caridean shrimp Parapandalus sp. and Heterocarpus ensifer (Decapoda), two holothuroids (Elasipodida and Aspidochirota) and the ophiuroid Ophiochiton ternispinus (Ophiurida). Except for the ophiuroid and the two shrimp, which emitted blue light (peak wavelengths 470 and 455nm), all the species produced greener light than that measured in most mesopelagic taxa, with the emissions of the pennatulaceans being strongly shifted towards longer wavelengths. In situ observations suggested that bioluminescence associated with these sites was due primarily to light emitted by bioluminescent planktonic species as they struck filter feeders that extended into the water column.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-Paleozoic crinoid radiation in response to benthic predation preceded the Mesozoic marine revolution

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2010

It has been argued that increases in predation over geological time should result in increases in... more It has been argued that increases in predation over geological time should result in increases in defensive adaptations in prey taxa. Recent in situ and laboratory observations indicate that cidaroid sea urchins feed on live stalked crinoids, leaving distinct bite marks on their skeletal elements. Similar bite marks on fossil crinoids from Poland strongly suggest that these animals have been subject to echinoid predation since the Triassic. Following their near-demise during the end-Permian extinction, crinoids underwent a major evolutionary radiation during the Middle-Late Triassic that produced distinct morphological and behavioral novelties, particularly motile taxa that contrasted strongly with the predominantly sessile Paleozoic crinoid faunas. We suggest that the appearance and subsequent evolutionary success of motile crinoids were related to benthic predation by post-Paleozoic echinoids with their stronger and more active feeding apparatus and that, in the case of crinoids, the predation-driven Mesozoic marine revolution started earlier than in other groups, perhaps soon after the end-Permian extinction. macroecology | macroevolution | predation | escalation | cidaroids

Research paper thumbnail of Urchins in the meadow: paleobiological and evolutionary implications of cidaroid predation on crinoids

Paleobiology, 2008

Deep-sea submersible observations made in the Bahamas revealed interactions between the stalked c... more Deep-sea submersible observations made in the Bahamas revealed interactions between the stalked crinoid Endoxocrinus parrae and the cidaroid sea urchin Calocidaris micans. The in situ observations include occurrence of cidaroids within ''meadows'' of sea lilies, close proximity of cidaroids to several upended isocrinids, a cidaroid perched over the distal end of the stalk of an upended isocrinid, and disarticulated crinoid cirri and columnals directly underneath a specimen of C. micans. Guts of two C. micans collected from the crinoid meadow contain up to 70% crinoid material. Two of three large museum specimens of another cidaroid species, Histocidaris nuttingi, contain 14-99% crinoid material.

Research paper thumbnail of Using a combined approach to explain the morphological and ecological diversity in Phanogenia gracilis Hartlaub, 1893 (Echinodermata: Crinoidea) sensu lato: two species or intraspecific variation?

Marine Biology, 2009

Phanogenia gracilis sensu lato is a shallow-water crinoid distributed throughout the Indo-western... more Phanogenia gracilis sensu lato is a shallow-water crinoid distributed throughout the Indo-western PaciWc. The taxonomy of P. gracilis s.l. is clouded by the presence of two distinct morphotypes, each diVering in morphology and ecology. The goal was to determine the taxonomic status of P. gracilis s.l. using partial gene sequences of two mitochondrial DNA genes, cytochrome oxidase c subunit I and NADH dehydrogenase subunit II, in conjunction with morphological and ecological data. The molecular phylogenies revealed three lineages separated by 5.0-6.6% corrected genetic distance, which is consistent with the genetic distances among other echinoderm species. Neither morphotype was monophyletic, nor was any examined morphological character exclusive to any one lineage. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) of the morphological and ecological data yielded signiWcant results when grouping P. gracilis by morphotype and by clades recovered in the phylogenetic analyses, but grouping by sample locality was rejected. Although DFA results of grouping by clade were signiWcant, jackknife support was weak, while only correctly grouping specimens by their respective clades 65% of the time. The results suggest the possibility of cryptic species, but additional molecular and morphological data are needed to conWrm this. This study demonstrates the need to reevaluate the taxonomy of crinoid species and their respective diagnostic characters.

Research paper thumbnail of Lack of chemical defense in two species of stalked crinoids: support for the predation hypothesis for mesozoic bathymetric restriction

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 1999

Methanol / dichloromethane extracts of (1) the arms and pinnules, and (2) the stalk and cirri of ... more Methanol / dichloromethane extracts of (1) the arms and pinnules, and (2) the stalk and cirri of the deep water stalked crinoids Endoxocrinus parrae (Gervais) and Neocrinus decorus (Carpenter) were imbedded at ecologically relevant volumetric concentrations in alginate food pellets containing 2% krill as a feeding stimulant and presented in situ to an assemblage of shallow-water reef fish. Experimental pellets were highly palatable to reef fish; no significant differences in pellet consumption occurred between experimental pellets containing extracts from either species of stalked crinoid or control pellets. Small pieces of cirri, stalks, calyx, arms and pinnules of both species were also tested in in situ feeding assays. While immediate consumption by fish was not apparent, Blue Headed Wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum (Block)) and Dusky Damselfish (Stegastes fuscus (Cuvier)) bit at pieces of each body component. Similar fish biting behaviors were also observed when two living Endoxocrinus parrae were deployed on the shallow reef. Observations indicate that neither species of stalked crinoid is chemically defended from predation by a natural assemblage of reef fish. This supports the predation hypothesis that restriction of stalked crinoids in deep-water habitats may have resulted from the Mesozoic radiation of durophagous fishes in shallow seas, resulting in a reduction of stalked crinoids from shallow water.

Research paper thumbnail of Revision of the recent Indo–West Pacific comatulid genus Comaster Agassiz. Part 1. The type species of Comaster and Phanogenia Lovén (Echinodermata : Crinoidea : Comasteridae)

Invertebrate Systematics, 1998

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Unique morphology in the living bathyal feather star, Atelecrinus (Echinodermata: Crinoidea)

Invertebrate Biology, 2005

... 286 Messing Fig. 5. Atelecrinus balanoides. Schematic lateral view of centrodor-sal and bases... more ... 286 Messing Fig. 5. Atelecrinus balanoides. Schematic lateral view of centrodor-sal and bases of two rays with right arm of left ray and left arm of right ray removed to show articulations and apposed pair of proboli adidas (Pa). ... 287 Fig. 6. Axils showing the probolus adidas. ac. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Artificial keys to the genera of living stalked crinoids (Echinodermata)

Bulletin of marine science, 2002

Two practical, illustrated, dichotomous keys to the 29 genera of living stalked crinoids are prov... more Two practical, illustrated, dichotomous keys to the 29 genera of living stalked crinoids are provided: one for entire animals and one for stalk ossicles and fragments. These are accompanied by (1) an overview of taxonomically important morphology, and (2) an alphabetical list by family and genus of the ~95 nominal living species and their distribution by region. This is the first compilation of such data for all living stalked crinoids since Carpenter (1884) recognized 27 species in six genera in his monograph based on the H.M.S. CHALLENGER Expedition collection.