https://doi.org/10.15446/caldasia.v46n3.102273
The cryptofauna is made up of a great diversity of Metazoan phyla, whose composition and abundance varies according to different environmental factors, therefore they provide key information to monitor coral environments. Artificial reefs have been a tool that has made it possible to collect cryptic reef fauna and provide information about biodiversity on marine ecosystems. Sessile and mobile cryptofauna was evaluated in four autonomous reef monitoring structures located in November 2016 in a sector of Banco de las Ánimas at a depth of 14 m and were removed at six, nine, twelve, and 18 months. The collected organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and their abundance, and temporal variation was analyzed. The highest total abundance was for the Arthropoda, Annelida and Mollusca, and the least conspicuous phyla were Nemertea and Cnidaria. The mollusks Parvanachis obesa, Muricopsis cf. withrowi and Anomia ephippium, the annelid Poecilochaetus johnsoni, the Ascideas and the barnacles from Arthropoda were the most frequent. The composition of the assembly of cryptic organisms was similar over time and it was clear that larvae settlement will depend on the identity of the colonizers. This study, contribute to the knowledge of the marine diversity of the Colombian Caribbean and adds to the inventories on the biodiversity of the Banco de las Animas, an important biological corridor between the Tayrona National Natural Park and the big swamp of Santa Marta. Finally, it is necessary to carry out long-term studies to appreciate patterns of colonization and succession of cryptic species.
