Mariano I Martinez, Renata M Pertossi, Agustín R Cosso, Antonella Presti, Pablo E Penchaszadeh

Shallow species of Holothuroidea in the collection of the Museo Argentina de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” (MACN)

Introduction

Shallow species of holothuroidea in the collection of the museo argentina de ciencias naturales “bernardino rivadavia” (macn). Explore shallow-water Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers) from Argentina's MACN collection. Identify 19 species, detailing distribution, depth, and providing an identification key. Enhances biological diversity understanding.

Abstract

Echinoderms in Argentina are closely associated with the pioneering studies of Irene Bernasconi, particularly regarding sea cucumbers from the collection at the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” (MACN). The Holothuroidea class comprises 325 lots from various global regions, as recorded in the MACN invertebrates collection (MACN-In). This study analyses all specimens from shallow waters of Argentina and includes detailed information on species distribution, depth range, and remarks for each species, along with a key for identification. We identified 19 out of 26 species known to inhabit Argentina, representing 73% of the recorded species. The absence of certain specimens may stem from challenges in sampling, restricted distributions, or past misidentifications in literature. This research enhances our understanding of Argentina’s biological diversity. Future studies aim to build on this foundation and continue the legacy initiated by Bernasconi.

Review

This manuscript presents a valuable contribution to the understanding of Holothuroidea diversity in shallow Argentine waters, skillfully leveraging the historical collection of the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” (MACN). The paper effectively places its research within the significant legacy of Irene Bernasconi’s pioneering studies, providing a crucial update to a well-established scientific foundation. By focusing on the MACN-In collection, the authors underscore the enduring importance of museum specimens in modern biodiversity assessments, offering a robust analysis of existing data for a specific and ecologically relevant region. The methodological approach of analyzing all relevant specimens from shallow Argentine waters within the MACN collection is sound and systematic. The study’s most impactful contribution lies in the detailed information provided for each identified species, encompassing distribution, depth range, and pertinent remarks, all culminating in the production of an identification key. This key is an invaluable tool for future ecological and taxonomic work in the region. The identification of 19 out of 26 known species, representing 73% of the recorded Holothuroidea in Argentina, signifies a substantial and well-documented census of the collection's holdings for this critical faunal group. The authors' candid acknowledgment of the absence of certain specimens, attributing this to potential sampling challenges, restricted distributions, or historical misidentifications in literature, reflects a mature and critical approach to their data. This discussion point adds depth to the study, guiding future research efforts and emphasizing the complexities of faunal surveys. Ultimately, this research significantly enhances our understanding of Argentina’s marine biological diversity and provides a strong foundation for subsequent studies, honorably continuing the scientific legacy initiated by Bernasconi. It represents a commendable effort in regional taxonomy and collection management.

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