Las formaciones coralinas de Isla Tortuguilla (Caribe colombiano)

Tortuguilla is a small island off the southern portion of the Colombian Caribbean continental coast. It is surrounded by a shallow calcareous shelf which is overgrown by recent coral formations whose distribution, composition and zonation are herewith qualitative described for the first time. Observations and data collecting were conducted during two days from a boat by snorkeling at 63 stations and along manta tow transects. Despite the reduced area and the adverse turbidity and sedimentation conditions, at least 16 species of stony corals were registered (4 more to be confirmed), being Millepora spp. and Siderastrea siderea the most common. Five different coral assemblages were recognized.