Updates on Results of CMBS

How many kinds of marine
organisms are there in Singapore?
Recent findings from the Comprehensive
Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS)
National Parks Board and
National University of Singapore
CMBS objectives
• To take stock of the current state of marine
biodiversity in various benthic habitats around
Singapore;
• To establish a reliable baseline to guide future
coastal development, conservation, and
rehabilitation
Major CMBS activities
Projects
Mudflat survey
Seabed survey
(incl. deeper
waters > 50 m)
2011
2012
Nov 2010
Publications
2014
2015
Apr 2013
Apr 2012
Mar 2015
May 2013
Reef survey
International
Workshops
2013
Pulau Ubin
15 Oct – 2 Nov
Apr 2015
St John’s Id
20 May – 7 June
Scientific papers, popular
guides, workshop proceedings
Volunteer
participation
About 500 volunteers have signed up for CMBS activities; 350 have so far
participated since 2011
Staff/volunteer
training
NUS have conducted five biodiversity training workshops at TMSI on sea
squirts, sea anemones, bivalves, hydroids and bryozoans since 2010
Survey of intertidal mudflat
organisms in Singapore waters
•
•
•
•
•
Nov 2010 to Apr 2013
68 sampling sites
13,716 specimens collected
>500 species identified
4 putative new species (hermit
crab; goby), 11 new records (sea
anemones, worms, shrimps,
cephalopods, sea cucumbers)
• Mudflat communities are unique
and differ from site to site
Comprehensive biodiversity survey of subtidal,
soft-bottom benthic fauna in Singapore waters
• Apr 2012 to Mar 2015
• 135 quadrats sampled to
date (out of 180 1 x 1
nautical mile quadrats)
• 12,730 specimens
collected so far using a
naturalist’s dredge and
beam trawl
• About 560 species
identified
• 3 possible new species
• 21 new records
• 1 re-discovery
(Amphioxus)
Comprehensive biodiversity survey of coral
reef-associated organisms in Singapore waters
• May 2013 to Apr 2015
• 35 intertidal and subtidal surveys
carried out to date, focusing on reef
habitats
• 1,330 specimens collected using
SCUBA and hand collection
• six ARMS (autonomous reef
monitoring structures) and three
tangle nets deployed off Raffles
Lighthouse and St John’s Id
• About 200 species identified so far
• 3 possible new species
• 35 new records
Johor Strait International Workshop
•
•
•
•
15 Oct to 2 Nov 2012 at Outward Bound School, Pulau Ubin
20 int’l + 29 local scientists from 10 countries
74 volunteers
49 intertidal and 33 subtidal sites in East and West Johor
Straits sampled
• >10,000 specimens collected
• >800 species in about 370 families/560 genera (>5,000
specimens sorted)
• 9 possible new species (small crustaceans), 35 new records
(molluscs, polychaetes, shrimps, isopods), 5 re-discoveries
Singapore Strait International Workshop
•
•
•
•
•
•
20 May to 9 Jun 2013 at St John’s Id
25 int’l + 22 local scientists from 11 countries
42 volunteers
53 intertidal and subtidal sites in Singapore Straits sampled
>10,000 specimens collected
>800 species in about 370 families/560 genera (>5,000 specimens
sorted)
• 50 possible new species (small crustaceans), >110 new records
(molluscs, polychaetes, shrimps, isopods), 5 re-discoveries
International participants
Ms Tri Arfianti, Indonesian Institute of Sciences,
Jakarta (amphipods)
Dr Lin Chiawei, National Museum of Marine
Biology and Aquarium, Taiwan (crustaceans)
Dr Neil Bruce, Museum of Tropical Queensland,
Brisbane (isopods)
Dr Len McKenzie, Queensland Dept of Primary
Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane (seagrasses)
Dr Toshihiko Fujita, National Museum of Nature
and Science, Tokyo (brittlestars)
Dr Charles Messing, Nova Southeastern
University, Florida, USA (crinoids)
Dr Sammy de Grave and Ms Catherine Head,
Oxford University Museum of Natural History,
UK (decapods)
Dr Bertrand Richer de Forges, formerly Institut
Recherche pour le Développement, New
Caledonia (decapods)
Drs Emily Glover and John Taylor, Natural
History Museum, London (bivalves)
Dr Kitithorn Sanpanich, Burapha University,
Thailand (gastropods)
Dr Rony Huys, Natural History Museum,
London (copepods)
Drs Leaw Chui Pin and Lim Po Teen, Universiti
Malaysia Sarawak (dinoflagellates)
Ms Tri Aryono Hadi, Indonesian Institute of
Sciences, Jakarta (sponges)
Dr Kevin Tilbrook, Museum of Tropical
Queensland, Brisbane (bryozoans)
Dr Gretchen Lambert, University of
Washington, USA (ascidians)
Dr Daisuke Uyeno, University of the Ryukyus,
Japan (parasitic copepods)
Dr David Lane, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
(asteroids)
Ms Ismiliana Wirawati, Indonesian Institute of
Sciences, Jakarta (sea cucumbers)
NUS participants
Dr Arthur Anker (shrimps)
Dr Joelle Lai (crustaceans; molecular
biology)
Mr Chim Chee Kong (echinoderms)
Ms Gan Bin Qi (flatworms)
Ms Serina Lee (ascidians)
Ms Lee Yen-ling (polychaetes, amphipods)
Dr Sandric Leong (dinoflagellates)
Mr Lim Swee Cheng (sponges)
Mr Kelvin Lim (vertebrates)
Prof Peter Ng (crabs)
Dr Tay Hwee Chieh (cephalopods;
molecular biology)
Dr Tan Heok Hui (fishes)
Ms Ong Joo Yong (soft corals, sea
cucumbers)
Mr Tan Siong Kiat (molluscs)
Dr Dwi Listyo Rahayu (hermit crabs)
Ms Teresa Tay (crinoids)
Ms Helen Wong (isopods and sea
cucumbers)
Ms Tan Chia Sing (cephalopods)
Ms Joycelin Teo (hydroids, bryozoans)
Dr Tan Koh Siang (molluscs)
Outputs
• Some 60,000 specimens collected
from >400 surveys
• Site-specific species lists
• Site characterization
• >50 new species, >200 new records,
>10 ‘rediscoveries’ to date;
• Baseline for species distributions across various
habitats;
• Peer-reviewed scientific papers (new species
descriptions, new records, biology and ecology etc.) in
workshop proceedings, other international journals
• Popular guides to flora and fauna
• Public appreciation and awareness
Sponges (Porifera)
Neptune’s Cup Sponge, Cliona patera
Barrel Sponge, Xestospongia testudinaria
Bath Sponge, Spongia ceylonensis
More than 200 species of sponges
are now recorded from Singapore.
Sponges (Porifera): 4 new records for Singapore
Ecionemia acervus
Coelosphaera (Coelosphaera) sp.
Lissodendoryx (Waldoschmittia) schmidti
Leiodermatium colini (lithistid sponge
dominant off Raffles Lighthouse)
The seabed survey has so far recorded over 60 species of sponges from nine
orders, 25 families and 45 genera. Of these, four are new records to
Singapore and two new species were discovered!
Sponges (Porifera)
Two possible new species are so far known from the seabed survey.
A
B
Theonella sp. nov. amongst dead
siliquariid tubes
C
D
Oxytethya sp. nov
A, Theonella sp. nov.from 50 m depth, Singapore Strait; B, skeleton of Theonella sp. nov. consists of interlocking desmas.
C. Oxytethya sp. nov. from 50 m depth, Singapore Strait; D, polyrhabdids unique to Oxytethya sp. nov.
Flatworms (Platyhelminthes): suborder
Cotylea
Acanthozoon sp.
Pseudobiceros sp.
Pseudobiceros sp.
Pseudobiceros cf.
uniarborensis
Pseudoceros cf.
concinnus
Pseudoceros cf.
indicus
Pseudoceros sp.
Pseudoceros sp.
Pseudoceros sp.
Flatworms (Platyhelminthes): suborder
Acotylea
Flatworms (Platyhelminthes): 5 possible new records from
216 specimens collected; about 20 polyclad species in 3
families identified
Euryleptidae (Cotylea)
Pseudocerotidae: Pseudoceros spp. (Cotylea)




Segmented worms
Inhabit a wide range of habitats
High diversity and abundance
Important roles:





Prey (predators are birds, horseshoe crabs, carnivorous worms etc)
Predator, detritus consumer
Sediment aeration, renewal of organic material
Microhabitat construction by tube worms
Used as fish bait by fishermen

Altogether 40 polychaete families were found in our surveys

85 species were previously recorded from Singapore (Eeckhaut
et al 1994; Tan & Chou 1998; Chan 2009; Chim et al 2013)
Survey phases
Number of specimens collected
Number of specimens identified to family
Diversity
Mudflat
3339
2985 (89.4%)
28 families, >45 morphospecies
Seabed
845
453 (53.6%)
31 families, >33 morphospecies
Reef
581
503 (86.6%)
30 families, >35 morphospecies
Northern expedition
>201
188
25 families, >44 morphospecies
Southern expedition
>169
22
22 families, >23 morphospecies
Survey findings
134 polychaete species
At least 26 of these were previously recorded (30.5%)
15 families added
Mudflats
“Nereids”
Dendronereides heteropoda
Leonnates stephensoni
Perinereis aibuhitensis
Tylonereis bogoyawlenskyi
Marphysa mullawa
Marphysa fauchaldi
45 genera added
15 species added
“Scaleworms”
Gaudichaudius cimex
Lepidonotus squamatus
“Bloodworms”
Glycera nicobarica
Goniada japonica
Malacoceros cf. indicus
Prionospio malmgreni
Sigambra pettiboneae
Seabed
“Fireworm” Chloeia parva
Reef
“Fanworm” Branchiomma galei
Types of polychaetes by habitat
Common families
Amphinomidae
Eunicidae
Hesionidae
Lumbrineridae
Nereididae
Oenonidae
Onuphidae
Pectinariidae (new record)
Phyllodocidae
Polynoidae
Syllidae
Terebellidae
They can be found in all kinds of habitats – intertidal
mudflats, subtidal sediments & reefs!
Interesting records
** previously only
recorded in photos and
not identified
Chloeia parva
** looks very similar to
previously recorded and
common Iphione muricata
Sigambra pettiboneae
Goniada japonica
** new species record that appears
to be common from subtidal seabed
Phyllochaetopterus sp.
Branchiomma galei
Gaudichaudius cimex
** very commonly found in mudflats and serve as important food source to mudflat
predators (birds, arthropods etc). Interesting taxonomic question.
Nicidion sp.
Neanthes glandicincta (cf. Ceratonereis burmensis)
Polychaete families recorded for the first time
Dorvilleidae
Sabellaridae
Sternaspidae
Sigalionidae
Chrysopetalidae
Ampharetidae
Pectinariidae
Euphrosinidae
Isopods (pill bugs) of Singapore
• There are about 5000 spp. of marine isopods worldwide and
33 spp. are previously recorded from Singapore
• CMBS has collected >5000 isopod specimens, of which 20% by
hand collection and 80% from baited trap
• 83% identified to family, 3% to genus, 10% to species
• 38 new records and 3 possible new species identified
• Easily recognized by their dorso-ventrally flattened body
• Can be found on seawalls, crevices, on/in other organisms,
e.g., seaweed, sponges, hermit crabs, fishes
• Most are scavengers, some are predators or parasites
Isopods of Singapore
Family Anthuridae
Mesanthura sp.
Family Idoteidae
Synidotea cf. poorei
Family Holognathidae #
Cleantioides sp. #
Family Arcturidae#
Family Sphaeromatidae
Sphaeroma walkeri
Family Sphaeromatidae
Sphaeroma terebrans cf
Family Sphaeromatidae
Cilicaea cf. crassicaudata#
Family Sphaeromatidae
Cymodoce bipapilla#
Family Sphaeromatidae
Probable new genus
Family Sphaeromatidae
Cymodoce sp.#
Family Sphaeromatidae
Cymodoce tribullis #
Family Santiidae#
Santia sp.#
# Denotes
new record
Family Cirolanidae
Excirolana orientalis
Isopods of Singapore
Family Cirolanidae
Cirolana sp.
Family Aegidae
Rocinela sp.#
Family Corallanidae#
Argathona sp. (cf. setosa)#
Family Cirolanidae
Excirolana orientalis#
Family Janiridae
Iais cf. singaporienasis
Family Cymothoidae
Nerocila cf. sundaica#
Family Cirolanidae
Cirolana sp. (“parva group)
Family Bopyridae
Family Cymothoidae
Cymothoa sp. #
Family Cirolanidae
Cirolana willeyi
Family Bopyridae
Parathelges enoshimensis#
Family Ligiidae
Ligia sp.
# Denotes
new record
Alpheids (pistol or snapping prawns) of Singapore
Opisthobranchs (sea slugs): 3 new
records
Berthelinia sp.
Elysia sp.
Berthellina cf. citrina (Side Gilled Sea Slug)
Nudibranchs (sea slugs): 4 new records
Doridomorpha sp.
Doto sp.
Nembrotha livingstonei
Phyllodesmium macphersonae
Sea cucumbers collected by CMBS:
•
Total number of specimens: 637
•
% Identified (to at least Family level): 51%
•
–
4 Orders: Apodida, Aspidochirotida, Dendrochirotida, Molpadida
–
9 Families: Cucumariidae, Caudinidae, Cucumariidae Holothuriidae,
Phyllophoridae, Psolidae, Sclerodactylidae, Stichopodidae, Synaptidae
–
16 genera: Acaudina, Actinocucumis, Actinopyga, Afrocucumis,
Cercodemas, Colochirus, Holothuria (including subgenus
Mertensiothuria and Metriatyla), Mensamaria, Synaptula, Cladolabes,
Phyllophorus, Pseudocolochirus, Psolidium, Psolus, Stichopus, Stolus
6+ possible new records: Mensamaria intercendens, Actinocucumis
typicus, Acaudina molpadioides/ leucoprocta, Psolidium spp., Holothuria
(Metriatyla) albiventer, Cladolabes hamatus
Holothuria (Metriatyla)
albiventer
Acaudina sp.
Psolidium sp.
Mensamaria intercedens
Actinocucumis typicus
Cladolabes hamatus
Scale bar = 1 cm
Asteroids (sea stars)
• 25 spp. (including at least one new record)
•Many threatened species, either listed as vulnerable or
endangered in Red Data Book
• important benthic feeders due to their large sizes and
diverse diets
• contain associates such as parasitic gastropods and
commensal polychaetes
Ophiuroids (basket stars and brittle
stars)
• 40 spp. (most speciose but is also the most problematic for
identification)
• their small sizes allow them to inhabit many microhabitats
e.g. sponges, soft corals, bryozoans and crinoids
Echinoids (sea urchins and sand dollars)
• 15 spp.
• generally grazers but biology of most species remain
poorly understood
Asteroids (seastars)
Luidia maculata
(Endangered)
Nepanthia belcheri
Stellaster equestris
Luidia hardwicki
Nepanthia maculata
(Rare)
Gymanthenea laevis
Astropecten sp.
Craspidaster hesperus
Aquilonastra corallicola?
Archaster typicus
(Vulnerable)
Iconaster longimanus
(Vulnerable)
Anthenea aspera
(Vulnerable)
Goniodiscaster scaber
Pentaceraster alveolatus
(New record)
Ophidaster granifer
(Uncommon)
Ophiuroids (brittlestars and basket stars)
Amphioplus andrea?
Euryale aspera
(Data deficient and possibly
endangered in Red Data Book but
found to be very common in waters
of depth more than 50 m)
Ophiactis savignyi
Ophiopeza spinosa?
Undetermined Euryalida
Macrophiothrix longipeda
Ophiarachnella gorgonia
Ophiothrix nereidina
Macrophiotrix lineocaerulea
Ophiomaza cacaotica
Macrophiotrix melanosticta
Ophionereis dubia?
Echinoids (sand dollars, sea mice, sea urchins)
Arachnoides placenta
Laganum depressum
(Vulnerable)
Peronella lesueuri
(Uncommon)
Maretia planulata
(First photograph of live specimen)
Undetermined Spatangoida
Undetermined Spatangoida
Temnopleurus sp.
Salmacis sp.
Chaetodiadema granulatum
(Endangered)
Crinoids (feather stars)
Himerometra robustipinna
Commonly seen in SG
The only bright red crinoid
Cenometra bella
New record in Singapore
Found May 2013
CRINOIDS
Feather Stars
Most of the crinoids found in Singapore
belong to the order Comatulida.
Crinoids from this order are stalkless.
The stalked crinoids (Order Bourgueticrinida) are
known as sea lilies and are only found in very deep
waters.
Belong to the phylum
Commensals Echinodermata
like brittle
• same as sea stars
stars, worms
and sea cucumbers
and shrimps
• Possess the same
can
5-sided symmetry
sometimes be
(5 rays)
found on
feather stars.
How to Identify Crinoid Species
• Branching
• Pinnules
• Cirri
The faint line between arm
segments 2 and 3 is one way of
telling that the specimen belongs
to Capillaster multiradiatus
Cirri Pinnule
• 39 species previously
recorded in Singapore
• At least 21 species
identified from CMBS
surveys
• 1 new record
Ascidians are sessile,
usually attached to a hard
substrate.
The colonial ascidian,
Eudistoma sp., is known to be
a prey for some flatworms.
The flatworm
Pseudoceros
indicus wrapped
around
Eudistoma sp.
• At least 20 species previously recorded in SG
• At least 30 species identified from CMBS
surveys (16 previously recorded)
Scale bars = 10mm
CMBS summary to date (selected groups)
Organism
group/previous
records
No of species
recorded
prior to
CMBS
No of species
recorded during
CMBS
Possible
new
species
Possible
new records
Rediscovery
(>50
years)
~100
250
3
56
1
Sea anemones
16
24
1?
5
NA
Flatworms
?
>20
1?
5
NA
Polychaetes
85
134
2?
>45
NA
Marine mites
~20
18
4
8
NA
Pillbugs
33
118
>15
>38
NA
Copepods
?
>50
>40
>80
NA
Pistol prawns
72
61
3
18
NA
Hermit crabs
43
34
3
9
2
Opisthobranchs
44
44
1
7
NA
Sea cucumbers
33
34
1?
6
NA
Feather stars
39
21
?
1
4
Sea squirts
~20
>30
?
>50
10
Fishes
>400
>318
1
6
1
Sponges