Resumo

GONZALEZ-GANDARA, Carlos et al. Checklist of marine sponges from Tuxpan Reef, Veracruz, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2009, vol.80, n.1, pp. 1-5. ISSN 1870-3453.

A checklist of marine sponge species (Porifera: Demospongiae) from Tuxpan reef, Veracruz, Mexico, collected during 2004, 2005 and 2006 by free and SCUBA diving equipment, is presented. The results show the presence of 18 species belonging to 13 genera and 13 families. 17 speices represent new records for the northern coral reefs of Veracruz, and the 18th species (Aplysina cauliformis Carter, 1882) is a new record for the state. This information may help to define appropriate management, monitoring and protection strategies for the coral reefs of the north of Veracruz, which have been proposed as a natural preserve area recently.

Palavras-chave : marine sponges; Porifera; Coral reefs; Veracruz; Mexico.