[Distribution of Ecteinascidia turbinata (Ascidiacea: Perophoridae) in mangroves of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico].
The ascidian Ecteinascidia turbinata synthesizes some of the most promising substances against solid-type tumors, but the only available source are the natural populations of this tunicate, which is reared or collected in different parts of the world. A total of 33 locations were sampled in the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula. The tunicate was not found in Veracruz, Tabasco and Campeche, but it was well established on mangrove roots in the Yucatan Peninsula where we estimated densities more or less equal to one colony and an average production of 115 g of biomass per lineal meter of mangrove coastline in one location (Río Lagartos). Sustainable management appears to be possible.
Carballo
J L
JL
Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, UNAM, Estación Mazatlán, Apartado Postal 811, Mazatlán 82000, México. carballo@ola.icmyl.unam.mx
D000818:Animals; D018533:Biomass; D008800:Mexico; D018517:Plant Roots; D012623:Seawater; D013696:Temperature; D014561:Urochordata / Q000254:growth & development