Modern Ostracodes of the Veracruz-Anton Lizardo Reefs, Mexico

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Abstract
Veracruz-Anton Lizardo reefs comprise the southernmost complex of patch reefs in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and provide a link between the Yucatan carbonate platform on the east and the 2 isolated, more northerly bioherms at Tampico, Mexico (Isla de Lobos) and off Galveston, Texas (Flower Garden Banks) [USA]. Maps of environmental data (depth, salinity, pH, temperature, Eh [oxidation-reduction potential] and dissolved O2) from 33 sampling stations on these reefs provide data for the study of the controls of distribution of the common ostracod species. Seventeen species occur with total (live + dead) relative abundances .gtoreq. 1%. Cluster analysis (R-model) of these 17 spp. reveals 2 major clusters at the 15 phenon level. One cluster contains the 3 dominant species of the reefs (Loxocorniculum tricornatum, L. cf. postdorsoalata, Morkhovenia inconspicua) as well as Quadracythere producta. The other cluster contains Haplocytheridea cf. bradyi (11th-ranked) and the other less dominant species. Within the 1st cluster, L. tricornatum biofacies dominates the Veracruz reef group and L. cf. postdorsoalata biofacies is most prevalent on the Anton Lizardo complex. Fifteen additional rare (< 1% of total population) but easily recognized species also occur, and these are illustrated and discussed.