Distribution of the reef coral Pocillopora inflata (Scleractinia) in the Mexican Pacific and comments about its taxonomic status

Abstract

Background. The geographic distribution of reef corals in the eastern Pacific is well documented. However, field surveys still produce new geographic records of the taxa. Goals. The objective of this paper is to present a detailed compilation of the areas of occurrence of the Pocillopora inflata in Mexico, provide observations on its distribution range and comment on the taxonomic validity of the records of this species in the country. Methods. Data regarding distribution of the species in the Eastern Pacific and Mexican Pacific were gathered from published sources and field logs. Results. The distribution of P. inflata ranges from the southern Gulf of California (including new records for four locations of Baja California Sur, along the 24°N parallel), Nayarit, Colima, Guerrero and Oaxaca (to Huatulco Bays; 15°N). This new data call for a modification of the distribution map for the taxon in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Conclusions. Repeated observations in the Gulf of California revealed that, due to the remarkable phenotypic plasticity of another species (P. damicornis), confusion may arise with the identification of P. inflata in the field, since the general form of this species, is quite similar to the branches of P. damicornis affected by storms.