VRENI HÄUSSERMANN

PhD Project:
Aug. 99-Jan. 04, Defence: May 2004: "A novel approach for sampling and description of non-scleractinian Hexacorallia exemplified by Chilean sea anemones"

Advisor: Prof. Dr. Gerhard Haszprunar at Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM), Germany;
Special subject adviser: Dr. Karin Riemann, Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research; Bremerhaven/Germany (AWI), PD Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer, Univesity Erlangen
Support in Chile: Dr. Wolfgang Stotz Uslar; Universidad Católica del Norte, Sede Coquimbo

The complete PhD thesis can be downloaded as pdf file from the website of the Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Munich.

In this project, novel methods and techniques accompanied by conventional procedures are applied to set a new standard for the collection, description and re-description of soft-bodied hexacorals. High abundance and diversity, fragmentary and confusing taxonomy, interesting zoogeography and the urgent need for data for ecological studies made Chilean sea anemones a perfect target group for the novel approach. Applying this approach, some selected species were described resp. re-described (Anemonia alicemartinae, Oulactis concinnata, Phymactis papillosa, Phymanthea pluvia, Actinostola chilensis). In the published papers, the genera with marginal ruff and these with non-adhesive vesicles on the colum as well as the South American Actinostola species were revised. The first colonial anemone Cereus herpetodes was reported. Finally a protocol for sampling, preservation and examination of soft-bodied hexacorals was published.

Education:
May 2004:             Defense of the PhD Project, grade of PhD thesis and defense: "summa cum laude"
Nov. 02-Jan. 04:    Visiting scientist at the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACH)  
Sept. 00-Oct. 02:   Ph.D. project at the Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM)
Aug. 99-Aug. 00:   Visiting scholar in the laboratory of Dr. Daphne Fautin at the University of Kansas/USA
Aug. 99-Jan. 04:    PhD project "A novel approach for sampling and description of non-scleractinian Hexacorallia
                              exemplified by Chilean sea anemones"
Oct. 98:                 Diploma (with honours) in biology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität; München; (LMU),
                             Germany; grade[1] 1.0 obtaining "first class honors"  
Oct. 97-Oct. 98:    Diploma thesis "Beiträge zur Aktinienfauna Chiles (Cnidaria: Anthozoa)"
                             "Contributions to the sea anemone fauna of Chile (Cnidaria: Anthozoa)"
Feb. 97-Sept. 97:   Diploma examinations (ecology, zoology/systematics, botany/systematics, soil science)
Aug. 94-Oct. 95:    One year of integrated studies in marine biology at the Universidad de Concepción / Chile,
                              with emphasis on marine invertebrates
Nov. 92-Oct. 97:   Hauptstudium Biologie (graduate studies of biology) at the LMU Munich
Nov. 92:                Vordiplom (graduation); subjects: biology, chemistry, physics; grade¹ 1.2  
Oct.90-Nov.92:     Grundstudium Biologie (undergraduate studies of biology) at the LMU Munich
April 90-June 90:   Practical training in agriculture and landscape-gardening
Oct. 89 - Mar. 90: Studies of pharmacy at the LMU Munich
June 89:                 Abitur (University entrance qualification): grade¹ 1.4  

[1] German Grading System: 1.0 (best) – 6.0 (worst)  

Thesis Research:
Oct. 97-Oct. 98: "Beiträge zur Aktinienfauna Chiles (Cnidaria: Anthozoa)", "Contributions to the sea anemone fauna of Chile (Cnidaria: Anthozoa)"

Overwiew over the 11 most common Actiniidae in shallow water - sampled during a 6 months expedition along the Chilean coast, together with Dipl. Biol. Günter Försterra

Adviser: Dr. Gerhard Haszprunar, ZSM / LMU
Additional advisers: Dr. Karin Riemann, AWI Bremerhaven; Dr. Hajo Schmidt, Universität Heidelberg

 

Actinostola chilensis between gorgonians (Primnoella sp.), 25 m, Lenca, Seno de Reloncaví; South Chile

Aerial view of the fjords Comau (left) and Reñihue (right)

Professional Presentations:
Conference Posters:

1. Häussermann, V. y Försterra, G. (1995): "Actiniaria y Corallimorpharia en la área costera de Concepción"; XV Jornada de Ciencias de Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo/Chile
2. Häussermann, V. (2001): "A novel approch to sampling and description of non-scleractinian hexacorals exemplified by Chilean sea anemones"; Terra Nostra 01/6: 164 (4th Annual Meeting of the Gesellschaft für Biologische Systematik, GfBS), abstract.
3. Försterra, G. &  Häussermann, V. (2001): "Large assemblages of azooxanthellate Scleractinia (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) in shallow waters of South Chilean fjords"; Terra Nostra 01/6: 155 (4th Annual Meeting of the GfBS), abstract.
4. Häussermann, V. (2002): "Reproductive patterns in Chilean sea anemones"; Zoology 105, Suppl. V: 97 (95th Annual Meeting of the Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft, DZG), abstract.
5. Häussermann, V. (2002): "Coloniality in Anthozoa" (5th Annual Meeting of the GfBS), abstract.
6. Gallardo, V.A., G. Försterra, V. Häussermann and J. Faundez (2005): Hallazgo de sistemas bacterianos sulfurosos someros asociados a la actividad hidrotermal del Fiordo Comau, Xa Región. Annual COLACMAR meeting, May16-20 2005, Viña del Mar, Chile; pdf poster, abstract.
7.  Bravo, Alejandro; G. Försterra. & V. Häussermann (2005): Fishing in Troubled Waters – Evidence for higher Diversity and high Abundance of Cold Water Corals along the Chilean Coast. 3rd International Symposium on Deep Sea Corals ISDSC 3, November 28-December 2; Miami, Florida, USA, p. 234; pdf poster, abstract.
8. McCulloch, M., P. Montagna, G. Försterra, G. Mortimer, V. Häussermann & C. Mazzoli (2005). Uranium-series dating and growth rates of the cool-water coral Desmophyllum dianthus from the Chilean fjords. 3rd International Symposium on Deep Sea Corals ISDSC 3, November 28-December 2; Miami, Florida, USA, p. 191; pdf poster.
9. Försterra, Günter and Vreni Häussermann (2006): Fjord regions as laboratories for understanding processes in marine ecosystems affected by climate changes. 41st European Marine Biology Symposium EMBS41, Cork, Ireland, September 4-8, 2006, abstract
10. Lôbo-Hajdu, G., Desqueyroux-Faúndez, R., Carvalho, M., Willenz, P., Esteves, E. L., Häussermann, V., Försterra, G., Bravo, A. and Hajdu, E. (2006): New records of marine sponges for the southeastern Pacific (23 - 56ºS). 7th International Sponge Symposium, May 7-13, Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, p. 293; abstract.
11. Häussermann, V., and Försterra, G. (2007): A hotspot in the cold – outstanding biodiversity in the Chilean Patagonian fjord region. New Frontiers in Marine Science; June 26-29, Baltimore, USA.
12. Försterra, G., Häussermann, V. (2008): Saving a biodiversity hotspot: baseline studied as research priority for the Chilean Patagonian Fjord Region. 1st World Congress on Marine Biodiversity, Valencia, Spain, November 11-15.
13. Häussermann, V., Försterra, G. (2008): Why wander around in the distance, when good things lie nearby: unexpected biodiversity hot spot in the Chilean Fjord Region. 1st World Congress on Marine Biodiversity, Valencia, Spain, November 11-15.
14. Günter Försterra, Verena Häussermann, Michelle Marcotte and Josh Biro (2008): Taxonomic tools for assessing marine biodiversity - a new field guide for the Chilean fjords; Congreso de Ciencias del Mar, Vina del Mar, May 26-30, 2008.
15. Mayr, C, Försterra, G., Häussermann, V., Wunderlich, A., Zieringer, M., Grau, J., Altenbach, A.V. (2008): Linkages between terrestrial and
    marine C.and N-cycles in the Chilean fjord region detected with stable isotope analyses; 4th Alexander von Humboldt International Conference 24.-28.11.08, Santiago de Chile.
16. Fiona Bahr, Michelle Marcotte, Axel Hausmann, Josh Biro, Vreni Häussermann, Günter Försterra (2009): The Patagonian Fjord Region: A hotspot that should not leave us cold; Biodiversity Hotspots, Luxemburg, March 26-28.
17. Försterra, G. & Häussermann, V. (2009): The Chilean fjord region – Problems in managing an unknown but complex system; International Marine Conservation Congress IMCC, Washington D.C., May 20-24.
18. Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (2009): The Chilean fjord region - A lost case for MPA planning? International Marine Conservation Congress IMCC, Washington D.C., May 20-24, 2009.
19. Hajdu E; Willenz Ph; Lôbo-Hajdu G; Hooker Y; Bravo A; Campos LS; Cárdenas C; Carvalho MS; Desqueyroux-Faúndez R; Försterra G; Häussermann V; Klautau M; Mothes B; Silva CMM; Azevedo F; Cosme B; Lopes DA; Aguirre K; Cóndor, B; Silva GB; Vieira WF (2009): Encuentro de biotas – investigando la composición y distribución de poríferos en la confluencia de los oceanos austral, atlántico y pacífico; COLACMAR; La Habana, Cuba, October 26-30.
20. Häussermann, V., Försterra, G. and Brickle, P. (2010): Falkland Islands – an outpost of the Chilean Fjord Region? 45th European Marine Biology Symposium; Edinburgh, Scotia, August 23-27. 
21. Melzer RR, Schroedl M, Meyer R, Schwabe E, Försterra G, Häussermann V (2010) Hardly explored – already threatened: Southern Chilean fjord biodiversity. EurOcean 2010 conference, 12.-13.10.2010, Oostend.
22. Laura Fillinger, Günter Försterra, Verena Häussermann and Claudio Richter (2011): Salmon farming in Chilean Patagonia: A growing threat for cold water corals? 9th International Temperate Reefs Symposium; Plymouth, UK, July 4-8. 
23. G. Försterra, V. Häussermann , K. Hiscock, E. Plotnek and D. Genter (2011): . Shallow cold water coral reefs in Chilean Patagonia – ecosystems that may be destroyed before they are really known. 9th International Temperate Reefs Symposium; Plymouth, UK, July 4-8. 
24. Plotnek Emma, Daniel Genter, David Bellhoff, Verena Häussermann & Günter Försterra (2011): Uncovering the Secrets of Chilean Patagonia before they disappear. YOUMARE, Bremerhaven, Germany. 07 – 09 September, 2011. 
25. Carin Jantzen, Verena Haeussermann, Guenter Foersterra, Juergen Laudien, Claudio Richter: (2011): The cold water coral Desmophyllum dianthus grows along a pH gradient in the Comau Fjord (Patagonia, Chile). YOUMARE, Bremerhaven, Germany. 07 – 09 September, 2011.

Oral Presentations:

1. Häussermann, V. (2002): "Do sea anemones inhibit the resettlement of economically interesting species?". International workshop on restoration of marine benthic invertebrate populations", 8.-12.11.02, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo. 
2. Häussermann, V. (2003): "Diversity of shallow water anthozoans of South Chilean fiords - an overview", XXIII Congreso de Ciencias del Mar, 5.-8.4.2003, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, abstract.
3. Häussermann, V. (2003): “Sea anemone taxonomy: problems, their consequences and solutions exemplified by Chilean species", VII International Congress on Coelenterate Biology, 6.-13.7.2003, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA, abstract.
4. Häussermann, V. (2003): “Distribution patterns of South American and Antarctic sea anemones (Cnidaria: Anthozoa)”, IBMANT and ANDEEP meeting, 19.-24.10.2003, Ushuaia, Argentina, abstract.
5. Mariana de S. Carvalho; Ruth Desqueyroux-Faundez; Philippe Willenz; Günter Försterra; Verena Häussermann; Gisele Lôbo-Hajdu and Eduardo Hajdu (2005): Esponjas de los fiordos Comau y Quintupeu (X Región de los Lagos, Chile). Annual COLACMAR meeting, May16-20 2005, Viña del Mar, Chile, abstract.
6. Häussermann, V. (2005): Biodiversity of Chilean sea anemones: distribution patterns and zoogeographic implications. Annual COLACMAR meeting, May16-20 2005, Viña del Mar, Chile, abstract.
7. Försterra. G. & V. Häussermann (2005): In Sight, Still Out of mind! — Coral Banks in Chilean Fjords: Characteristics, Distribution, Threats. 3rd International Symposium on Deep Sea Corals ISDSC 3, November 28-December 2; Miami, Florida, USA, p. 125, abstract.
8. Cañete, Juan I., Akira Hamano & Vreni Häussermann (2006): Polar biodiversity out of the Antarctic continent: O'Higgins I sea mount as an example of cold, deep megabenthic fauna off central Chile. Pangaea meeting, Punta Arenas, April 10-14, 2006.
9. Häussermann, Vreni & Günter Försterra (2006): Primera evidencia para arrecifes recientes de hidrocorales en aguas someras de la Patagonia chilena. Congreso de Ciencias del Mar, Iquique, Chile, May 22-26, 2006, abstract.
10. Häussermann, Vreni & Günter Försterra (2006): Quality versus speed – the Chilean fjord region as a case study for the dilemma of optimizing MPA patterns in a complex environment under growing economic pressure. 41st European Marine Biology Symposium EMBS41, Cork, Ireland, September 4-8, 2006, abstract.
11. Häussermann, V. (2006): Fundamental taxonomic problems in benthic inventories exemplified by Chilean anthozoans and their implications for the NaGISA project. NaGISA World Coference, Kobe, Japan, October 15-18; p. 28, abstract.
12. Iriarte, J. L., González, H., León, J., Leal, C., Marín, S., Häussermann, V. and Sobarzo, M. (2006): Marine carbon flow in a fjord pelagic food web: fjords as main carbon sink in southern Chile? 1st International Congress on Ecosystem Services in the Neotropics, Valdivia, November 13-19, abstract.
13. Försterra, G. & Häussermann, V. (2007): Inventories and environmental baseline studies as fundament for coastal management and sustainable development in the Chilean fjord region. First International Workshop: Evolutionary Impact of Exotic Aquaculture on Native Aquatic Biodiversity; Puerto Montt (Chile), January 17-19, Darwin Initiative Project, abstract.
14. Försterra, G. and Häussermann, V. (2007): Where the deep sea comes into reach – deep-water emergence in the Chilean fjord region. New Frontiers in Marine Science; June 26-29, Baltimore, USA
15. Försterra & Häussermann (2008): Fjord regions: where the deep sea comes into reach.  4th International symposium of deep-sea corals, December 1-5, Wellington, New Zealand.
16. Michelle Marcotte, Verena Häussermann, Günter Försterra and Josh Biro (2008): Discoveries of the Huinay Scientific Field Station, 2001 – 2008: A quest to protect a unique environment; Congreso de Ciencias del Mar, Vina del Mar, May 26-30, 2008.
17. Michelle Marcotte, Verena Häussermann, Josh Biro and Günter Försterra (2009): The role of the silent warden: Trophic interactions between killer whales and sea lions in Chilean Patagonia, Congreso de Ciencias del Mar, Talcahuano, Chile, May 25-28, 2009.
18. Försterra, G. & Häussermann, V. (2009): Typically Special: The Patagonian Fjord Region and its characteristics; Fjord Meeting, Bergen, May 7 and 8, 2009. 
19. Häussermann, V., Försterra, G. and Brickle, P. (2010): Las Islas Malvinas y la Patagonia Chilena – Conexiones biogeográficas. X Congreso de Ciencias del Mar – Chile; Concepción, October 19-22. 
20. Försterra, G., Mayr, C. and Häussermann, V. (2010): Cold water corals and endolithic algae – parasitism, commensalism or mutualism? 45th European Marine Biology Symposium; Edinburgh, Scotia, August 23-27. 
21. Försterra, G. & Häussermann, V. (2011): Fundamental problems in managing largely unknown diverse marine systems in Chilean Patagonia. 2nd World Congress on Marine Biodiversity; Aberdeen, Scotland, September 26-30. Talk.
22. Försterra G., Plotnek E.,Genter, D. y Häussermann, V. (2011): Patrones de registros de abllenas azules (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) – Evidencia para una especie vagando o artefactos de muestreo? Congreso de Ciencias del Mar, Viña del mar, Chile, agosto 16-19. Talk.
23. Försterra, G. & Häussermann, V. (2011): Time to say goodbye! – Why digital imaging techniques should replace diver observations in benthic assessments. 2nd International Marine Concervation Congress; Victoria, BC, Canada, May 14-18. Talk.
24. Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (2011): MARXAN reversed – Decision support algorithms as tools for improving field work planning: A Chilean example. 2nd International Marine Concervation Congress; Victoria, BC, Canada, May 14-18. Talk.

Unpublished reports:

1. G. Försterra, V. Häussermann, R. Fitzek y Yany G. (2004, version revisada 10.1.2006): Propuesta para el establecimiento de un parque marino en los fiordos Comau y Renihue (incluyendo Quintupeu, Cahuelmo y la isla Lilihuapi); pdf
2. V. Häussermann, G. Försterra, A. Wehrmann, M. Thiel, M. Schrödl y E. Clasing (2004): Primer workshop en la Estacion Cientifica Huinay: los fiordos chilenos; pdf: English, Spanish, German
3. Försterra, Günter, Häussermann, Verena (2007): Impactos relacionados con la construccion de una carretera a lo largo de los fiordos Comau y Reñihué.

Newsletter contributions:

1. Försterra, G. & Häussermann, V (2004): Chilean fjords – an endangered paradise. Global Marine Environment 1: 12-13
2. Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (2004): Chilean sea anemones – forgotten flowers of the sea. Global Marine Environment 1: 16-17
3. Försterra, G. & Häussermann, V (2004): Die chilenischen Fjorde - ein bedrohtes Paradies. GfBS newsletter 13: 24-26, 57
4. Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (2004): Die chilenischen Seeanemonen - vergessene Blumen des Meeres. GfBS newsletter 13: 31-33, 57
5. Försterra, G., Häussermann, V. & Gerard P. Foley Jr. (in press): Adding pieces to a complex puzzle – discovering the benthic life in the channels and fjords of Chilean Patagonia. Global Marine Environment 3.
6. Hajdu, E., Willenz, P., Lôbo-Hajdu, G., Desqueyroux-Faundez, R., Carvalho, M., Häussermann, V., Försterra, G. and M. Scuteri (2005): Marine sponges biodiversity. Project AMBARC-diving and wading in South America. Global Marine Environment 4: 28-29.
7. Willenz, P., Häussermann, V., Försterra, G., Schrödl, M., Melzer, R., Atwood, L. and Jorda, C. (2007): Finding more pieces of the Chilean puzzle. Global Marine Environment 5: 26-29.

Contributions to other media:

several field guides, books, newspaper articles and television programs, journal titles, and two exhibitions

Selected contributions:

- Underwater photo author for the book about the planned marine reserve in Bahía Tic Toc, South Chile; Ed.: Pumalin Foundation; 2002

-  “Underwater Field guide to Ross Island and McMurdo Sound, Antarctica – Cnidaria”, 2001; http://scilib.ucsd.edu/sio/nsf/fguide/  

- the chapter „Cnidaria“ in the book „Das Mittelmeer -  Fauna, Flora, Ökologie, Band II/1, Bestimmungsführer“, Editor: Robert Hofrichter, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 2003

- TV documentation “La Ley de la Selva: Huinay”, Megavisión, March 2004

- Exposition for the „Month of the Sea“, Hornopirén, Chile, May 2004

- the ARD Scientific Quiz “Kopfball” (cnidae picture), 2005

- the Netwatch section of the Science Magazin 2004, Science 309: 2009; and a report on the BIOPAT programm in the Science and Development Network of the Journal "Science" (March 2004)

 

A. chilensis is the first species of the genus Actinostola to be described including in situ and in vivo information, 25 m, Comau fjord

Anthothoe chilensis covers a mussle bed which is covered by the gastropod Crepidula sp., 10 m, Comau fjord, South Chile

List of publications:

1. Häussermann, V. and Försterra, G. (2001): A new species of sea anemone from Chile, Anemonia alicemartinae (Cnidaria: Anthozoa). An invader or an indicator for environmental change in shallow water?; Organisms Diversity & Evolution 1(3): 211-224; abstract and colour pictures; pdf (Copyright Urban & Fischer Verlag 2001)
2. Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (2003): First evidence for coloniality in sea anemones; Marine Ecology Progress Series 257: 291-294; one colony of Cereus herpetodes and a rock covered with colonies of this species; pdf (copyright Inter-Research 2003)
3. Häussermann, V. (2003): Redesription of Oulactis concinnata (Drayton in Dana, 1846) (Cnidaria: Anthozoa), an actiniid sea anemone from Chile and Perú with special fighting tentacles; with a preliminary revision of the genera with a “frond-like” marginal ruff´; Zoologische Verhandelingen Leiden 345: 173-208; pdf (copyright Museum Naturalis 2003)
4. Försterra, G. & Häussermann, V. (2003): First report on large scleractinian (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) accumulations in cold-temperate shallow water of south Chilean fjords; Zoologische Mededelingen Leiden 345: 117-128; for pictures look at the website of Günter Försterra; pdf (copyright Museum Naturalis, 2003)
5. Häussermann, V.(2004): Identification and taxonomy of soft-bodied hexacorals exemplified by Chilean sea anemones; including guidelines for sampling, preservation and examination; Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK 84: 931-936; pdf (copyright Cambridge University Press)
6. Häussermann, V.(2004): Redescription of Phymactis papillosa (Lesson, 1830) and Phymanthea pluvia (Drayton in Dana, 1846) (Cnidaria: Anthozoa), two actiniid sea anemones from the south east Pacific with a discussion of the genera Phymactis, Bunodosoma and Phymanthea; Zoologische Mededelingen Leiden 78: 345-381; pdf (copyright Museum Naturalis)
7. Häussermann, V. (2004): The sea anemone genus Actinostola Verrill, 1883: variability and utility of traditional taxonomic features; and a re-description of Actinostola chilensis McMurrich, 1904; Polar Biology 28: 26-38 (Erratum 2005: 28: 338-350); pdf; pdf Erratum (copyright Springer Verlag)
8. Cairns, S., V. Häussermann and G. Försterra (2005). A review of the Scleractinia (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) of Chile, with the description of two new species; Zootaxa 1018: 14-46; pdf (copyright Magnolia Press)
9. Häussermann, V. and Försterra, G.(2005): Distribution patterns of Chilean shallow-water sea anemones (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Actiniaria, Corallimorpharia); with a discussion of the taxonomic and zoogeographic relationships between the actinofauna of the South East Pacific, the South West Atlantic and Antarctica; Pages 91-102 in W. E. Arntz, G. A. Lovrich and S. Thatje, eds. The Magellan-Antarctic connection: links and frontiers at high southern latitudes. Scientia Marina 69 (Suppl. 2); pdf (copyright).
10. Michael Schrödl, María-Angélica Alarcón, Luis R. Bedriñana, Francisco J. Bravo, Carlos M. Bustamante, Rosana Carvalho, Günther Försterra, Carlos Gallardo, Verena Häussermann, Andrea Salmen (2005): Nudipleura (Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia) from the southern Chilean Comau Fjord, with redescription of Polycera priva Marcus, 1959; Vita Malacologica 3: 23-33.; pdf (copyright).
11. van Ofwegen, L., Häussermann, V. and Försterra, G. (2006): A new genus of soft coral (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Clavulariidae) from Chile. Zootaxa 1219: 47-57; pdf (copyright Magnolia press).
12. Schwabe, E., Försterra, G., Häussermann, V., Alarcón, M.-A. and Schrödl, M. (2006): Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) from the southern Chilean Comau Fjord, with reinstatement of Tonicia calbucensis Plate, 1897. Zootaxa 1341: 1-27; pdf (copyright Magnolia Press).
13. Melzer, Roland R., Schrödl, Michael, Häussermann, Verena, Försterra, Günter, and Montoya Bravo, Maria Fernanda (2006): Pycnogonids on cnidarians at Comau fjord, Southern Chile: a report on 2005 SCUBA collections. Spixiana 29: 237-242; pdf.
14. Verena Häussermann (2006): Biodiversity of Chilean sea anemones (Cnidaria: Anthozoa): distribution patterns and biogeographic implications; including new records for the fjord region. Investigaciones Marinas; pdf.
15. Häussermann, Verena & Günter Försterra (2007). Extraordinary abundance of hydrocorals (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Stylasteridae) in shallow water of the Patagonian fjord region. Polar Biology 30 (4): 487-492; pdf (copyright Springer) (online first: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00300-006-0207-5).
16. Galea, Horia, Häussermann, Verena and Günter Försterra (2007): Hydrozoa, fjord Comau, Chile. Check list 3(2): 159-167; pdf.
17. van Ofwegen, Leen, Häussermann, Verena & Günter Försterra (2007): The genus Alcyonium (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Alcyoniidae) in Chile. Zootaxa 1607: 1-19; pdf.
18. Galea, Horia, Häussermann, Verena and Försterra, Günter (2007): Cnidaria, Hydrozoa: First records, local and extended world distribution, region of south-Chilean fjords. Check List 3(4): 308-320; pdf.
19. Galea, Horia, Försterra, Günter, and Häussermann, Verena (2007): Additions to the hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from the fjords region of southern Chile. Zootaxa 1650: 55-68.; pdf.
20. Häussermann, V. and G. Försterra. 2007. Large assemblages of cold-water corals in Chile: a summary of recent findings and potential impacts. Pages 195­-207 in George R. Y. and S. D. Cairns, eds. Conservation and adaptive management of seamount and deep-sea coral ecosystems. Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami. 324 p; pdf.
21. Försterra, Günter & Verena Häussermann (2008): Unusual symbiotic relationships between microendolithic phototrophic organisms and azooxanthellate Scleractinia from Chilean fjords. Marine Ecology Progress Series 370: 121-125; pdf.
22. Häussermann, Verena and Försterra, Günter (2008): A new species of sea anemone from the Chilean fjord region, Paraisanthus fabiani (Actiniaria: Isanthidae), with a discussion of the family Isanthidae Carlgren, 1938. Zootaxa 1897: 27-42; pdf.
23. Försterra, Günter, Häussermann, Verena & Carsten Lüter (2008): Mass occurrences of the recent brachiopod Magellania venosa (Terebratellidae) in the fjords Comau and Reñihue, Chile. Marine Ecology 29: 342-347; pdf.
24. Sinniger, Frederik and Häussermann, Vreni (2009): Zoanthids (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Zoanthidae) from shallow water of the southern Chilean fjord region with the description of a new genus and two new species. Organisms Diversity and Evolution 9: 23-36; pdf.
25. Galea, Horia, Häussermann, Verena, and Försterra, Günter (2009): New additions to the hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from the fjord region of southern Chile. Zootaxa 2019: 1-28; pdf.
26. Verena Häussermann, Michael Dawson and Günter Försterra (2009): First record of the moon jellyfish, Aurelia (Scyphozoa: Semaeostomeae), for Chile. Spixiana 32 (1): 3-7; pdf
27. Lagger, Cristián, Tatián, Marcos, Häussermann, Vreni and Försterra, Günter (2009): Ascidians (Chordata; Ascidiacea) from the southern Chilean Comau Fjord. Spixiana 32 (2): 173-185; pdf.
28. Lauretta Daniel, Häussermann Verena & Penchaszadeh Pablo: Re-description of Parabunodactis imperfecta (Anthozoa: Actiniaria) from the Patagonian Argentinean coast (2009). Spixiana 32 (2):167-172; pdf.
29. E. Yáñez, C. Silva, R. Vega, F. Espíndola, L. Álvarez, N. Silva, S. Palma, S. Salinas, E. Menschel, V. Häussermann, D. Soto & N. Ramírez (2009): Seamounts in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and biodiversity on Juan Fernandez seamounts, Chile. Lat. Am. J. Aquat. Res., 37(3): 555 – 570; pdf. 
30.  Christoph C. Mayr, Günter Försterra, Verena Häussermann, Anja Wunderlich, Jürke Grau (2011): Stable isotope variability in a Chilean fjord food web: implications for N- and C-cycles. Marine Ecology Progress Series 428: 89-104.
31. Karen J Miller, Ashley A. Rowden, Alan Williams, Vreni Häussermann (2011): Out of their depth? Isolated deep populations of the cosmopolitan coral Desmophyllum dianthus may be highly vulnerable to environmental change. PLoS ONE 6(5): e19004. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0019004.

Book chapters

1. Häussermann, V. (2003): Ordnung Ceriantharia (Zylinderrosen). In: Hofrichter, R. (Hrsg.), Das Mittelmeer, Fauna, Flora, Ökologie, Band II/1, Bestimmungsführer, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, Berlin, 450-453
2. Häussermann, V. (2003): Ordnung Actiniaria (Seeanemonen, Aktinien). In: Hofrichter, R. (Hrsg.), Das Mittelmeer, Fauna, Flora, Ökologie, Band II/1, Bestimmungsführer, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, Berlin 2003, 476-499
3. Häussermann, V. (2003): Ordnung Corallimorpharia (Korallenanemonen).
   In: Hofrichter, R. (Hrsg.), Das Mittelmeer, Fauna, Flora, Ökologie, Band II/1, Bestimmungsführer, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, Berlin 2003, 499-501
4. Häussermann, V. (2003): Ordnung Zoantharia (= Zoanthiniaria, Zoanthidae) (Krustenanemonen). In: Hofrichter, R. (Hrsg.), Das Mittelmeer, Fauna, Flora, Ökologie, Band II/1, Bestimmungsführer,  Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, Berlin 2003, 501-505
5. Försterra, G., Beuck, L., Häussermann, V. & Freiwald, A. (2005): Shallow water Desmophyllum dianthus (Scleractinia) from Chile: characteristics of the biocenoses, the bioeroding community, heterotrophic interactions and (palaeo)-bathymetrical implications. In: Freiwald, A., Roberts, J. M. (eds.): Cold-water corals and ecosystems. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 937-977; pdf (copyright Springer Verlag).
6. Häussermann, V. (2009): Protocol for sampling and preservation of marine organisms, p. 88-92. In: Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (eds.): Marine Benthic Fauna of Chilean Patagonia, Nature in Focus, Puerto Montt, 1000 pp.
7. Häussermann, V. (2009): Cnidaria–Cnidarians, p. 172-173. In: Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (eds.): Marine Benthic Fauna of Chilean Patagonia, Nature in Focus, Puerto Montt, 1000 pp.
8. Häussermann, V. & van Ofwegen, L. (2009): Anthozoa–Anthozoans, p. 174-176. In: Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (eds.): Marine Benthic Fauna of Chilean Patagonia, Nature in Focus, Puerto Montt, 1000 pp.
9. Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (2009): Actiniaria–Sea Anemones, p. 215-266. In: Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (eds.): Marine Benthic Fauna of Chilean Patagonia, Nature in Focus, Puerto Montt, 1000 pp.
10. Häussermann, V. (2009): Corallimorpharia–Jewel Anemones, p. 267-272. In: Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (eds.): Marine Benthic Fauna of Chilean Patagonia, Nature in Focus, Puerto Montt, 1000 pp.
11. Försterra, G. & Häussermann, V. (2009): Scleractinia–Stony Corals, p. 273-282. In: Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (eds.): Marine Benthic Fauna of Chilean Patagonia, Nature in Focus, Puerto Montt, 1000 pp.
12. Sinniger, F., Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (2009): Zoantharia–Zoanthids, p. 283-290. In: Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (eds.): Marine Benthic Fauna of Chilean Patagonia, Nature in Focus, Puerto Montt, 1000 pp.

Edited books

1. Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (eds.) (2009): Marine Benthic Fauna of Chilean Patagonia, Nature in Focus, Puerto Montt, 1000 pp.
2. Häussermann, V. & Försterra, G. (eds.) (2009): Fauna marina Bentónica de la Patagonia Chilena, Nature in Focus, Puerto Montt, 1000 pp.

Submitted and in preparation

1. Estefania Rodríguez, Marcos Barbeitos, Marymegan Daly, Luciana C. Gusmão and Verena Häussermann (in review): Towards a natural classification: phylogeny of acontiate sea anemones (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria). Clasdistics.
2. Jantzen C, Häusserman V, Försterra G, Maier S, Laudien J, Richter C (to be submitted): Cold water corals in the Comau Fjord (Patagonia, Chile) grow along vertical and horizontal pH gradients.
3. Lauretta, Daniel, Haeussermann, Verena, and Rodriguez, Estefania (to be submitted): A new species of isanthid sea anemone.
4. Häussermann, V. and Klee, B. (in preparation): Metridium senile, a cosmopolite? An AFLP-based molecular study of relationships between populations. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society.
5. Försterra, G., Häussermann, V., Jantzen, C., Mayr, C., Laudien, J. and Willenz, Ph. (lab work in process): Growth rate and growth rhythm analysis and study of possible effects through endolithic algae in cold-water corals by calcein in situ staining.
6. Cairns, S., Breedy, O., Häussermann, V. and Försterra, G. (in preparation): The gorgonians of the Chilean fjord region, with the description of several new species.
7. Försterra, G., Häussermann, V., Hajdu, E. and Schrödl, M. (in preparation): Zoogeographical pattern of three dominating benthic invertebrate groups in the Chilean fjord region (Cnidaria, Porifera, Mollusca).
8. Hajdu, E. et al. (in preparation): An inventory of the Porifera of the fjord Comau, South Chile.
9. Häussermann, V. & Rodriguez, Estefanía (in preparation): Taxonomic and zoogeographical aspects of Isotealia from South America and the Antarctic; with a re-description of Isotealia antarctica.
10. Schrödl, M., Häussermann, V. and Försterra, G.: A new aeolid nudibranch species from Chile

Anemonia alicemartinae on rhizom of Lessonia trabeculata

unidentified Acontiaria from the fiord region of South Chile

Scholarships, Awards and Grants:
A) Awards:

• Pew fellowship in marine conservation, 2011 (150.000 US$) 
• Hintelmann Award for Taxonomic Research, 2005 (5000 Euro)
• Award "VI Premios Europeos de Medio Ambiente a la Empresa" to Endesa for the success of the Huinay Foundation; Spain, April 2004
• Poster award at the 5th Annual meeting of the GfBS (2002)
• Award for the best poster at the 4th Annual meeting of the GfBS (2001)

• One year DAAD (German Academic Exchange service) scholarship for integrated studies in a foreign country (IAS) at the Universidad de Concepción (1994/1995)
• Travel stipend for the Marine Biology Congress in La Serena/Chile by the Universidad de Concepción (May 1995)
• One year DAAD scholarship for Ph.D. studies (HSP III)  at the University of Kansas; Lawrence/Kansas; USA (1999/2000)
• One year scholarship for Ph.D. studies ("Promotionsstipendium zur Förderung des wissenschaftlichen und künstlerischen Nachwuchses") by the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2000/2001)
• Travel stipend for an invited talk by the Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research; Bremerhaven/Germany (AWI) (December 2001)
• One year scholarship for PhD studies within the programme HWP by the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2002)
• Travel stipend for the 95th Annual meeting of the Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft (DZG), Halle, by the Deutsche Akademikerinnen Bund, DAB (May 2002)
• Scholarship for research activities on Huinay Scientific Field Station in the Comao Fiord, South Chile (2003)
• Travel stipend for the 7th International Congress on Coelenterate Biology in Lawrence, Kansas, USA by the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (July 2003)
• Travel stipend for the 1st NaGISA World Congress, Kobe, Japan, by NaGISA (October 2006)
• Travel stipend for the PICES/ICES Meeting “New frontiers in Marine Science”, Baltimore, USA, June 26-29, 2007, by PICES (1000 US$) (June 2007)

C) Grants

• 9860 US$ grant of the PADI Foundation for the project "Geographical and bathymetrical distribution of the azooxanthellate coral banks in the northern Patagonian fjord region and implications for their conservation" (2005)
• 2590 US$ grant of the Universidad Austral de Chile (DID internal projects, together with Alejandro Bravo) for the project "Las Actiniaria y Corallimorpharia de la Bahía de Calfuco, Valdivia: un inventario completo en base de metodología al día" (2005)
• Approx. 2400US$ grant of the Brasilean gouvernment (PROSUL; project leader Eduardo Hajdu) for the Brasilean-Chilean-Argentinean project "Biogeography of South American sponges and anthozoans" (2005)
• 5145 US$ grant of the PADI Foundation for work on the inventory of Chilean gorgonians (2006)
• 5000 US$ mini-grant from COML for data capture and rescue on marine benthos from the Patagonian fjords,(2009)
• 21.000 US$ from NaGISA for production of Chilean field guide (2009)
• 5000 € from BIOPAT for production of Chilean field guide (2009)

 D) Logistic support, invitations

• Logistic support of the project "Fiordo Tempano" for a first biodiversity inventory of the South Chilean fjords Tempano and Bernardo, 48°S; March 2005
• Invitation to the CEQUA meeting, Puerto Natales; 4.-9.4.2005
• Logistic support of NAVIMAG and CONAF for the project "Bioregionalisación de la región de los fiordos chilenos"; March 2005 and March 2006.
• Invitation to the scientific workshop "Investigación ambiental en la salmonicultura chilena - Gasto o Inversión?", Puerto Montt, March 23 and 24, 2006.
• Logistic support of Naviera Austral, Raul Marin Balmaceda, Fiordo Palvitad, Fundacion Otway for a biodiversity study of the Northern Patagonian Zone, March 2007.
• Logistic support of Naviera Austral, Fundacion Pumalin, and Fundacion Tantauco for a biodiversity study of Isla Magdalena and Southern Chiloe (February 2008)
• Logistic support of NGO Sinergias for a biodiversity study in Llico Bajo (January 2009)
• Logistic support of Naviera Austral, DAP, NAVIMAG for a biodiversity study of the Southern Patagonian Zone, December/January 2010/2011

University Activities:

• Research Assistant at the Department of Limnology (summer 1992)
• Research Assistant at the Department of Entomology (summer 1993)
• Research Assistant at the Department of Soil Sciences (summer 1994)
• Teaching Assistant for "Vegetation Societies" at the Department of Phytogeography (summer 1996)
• Teaching Assistant and dive guide for the excursion "Biology and Ecology of Coral Reefs" (winter 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2001)
• Research Assistant at the Department of Ecology; Project: "Induced defenses of water organisms" (2000-2001)
• Teaching assistant and underwater photographer for “Biology and Ecology of Norwegian Fjords” (summer 2001)
• Master of Business Class "Biodiversity of Chilean fjords", 08/2003, 08/2004 and 8/2005  

Relevant Working experience: 

• Since 2011:       member of the SEREMI consulting group for the new ministry of environment
• 2011:                 co-organization of three MARXAN workshops in Chile (given by PACMARA)
• 2006-2009:        Responsible organization and edition of the taxonomic field guide “Marine Benthic Fauna of Chilean Patagonia” (English and Spanish edition)
• January 2006     Proposal for a highly protected marine reserve in the fjords Comau and Reñihué to the Undersecretary of Fisheries, Chile
• Since 2005         Counselling for the Chilean Undersecretary of Fisheries and Chilean NGOs concerning sustainable use and protection of the Chilean fjord region
• Since 2005         Participation in the NaGISA project, co-responsible for the site in the Chilean fjords
• Since March 2005  Bioregionalisation of the Chilean fjord region for a coastal zonification as base for sustainable development and planning of a network of marine protected areas
• Since 2004         Co-foundation of the “Fjord Research Network” (since then visiting of institutions in North America, New Zealand, SE Australia and Scandinavia)
• Since 2003         Announcement, selection and instruction of scientific-technical assistants and interns, supervision of students
• Since 2003         Foundation and leadership of the group of young scientists "Young Anthozoologists“ (first meeting at the Coelenterate Congress in 2003) 
• Since 2003         Reviewer for scientific publications on Anthozoa for international journals
• Since 2003         Director of Huinay Scientific Field Station (Direction, establishment and management of a new scientific field station in the Chilean fjords)February 2001   Underwater photo documentation and biodiversity evaluation for the proposal of a marine reserve in South Chile for the Pumalin Foundation
• Since 1997         Curatorial experience (Establishment and management of collections of Chilean Cnidaria; sampling and preservation of invertebrates), free-lance at the ZSM
• Since 1997         Responsible organisation and realisation of 13 sampling expeditions to collect marine benthic fauna all along the Chilean coast and to evaluate marine biodiversity, with focus on the Patagonian fjord region; altogether 16 months; with up to 11 international scientists
• 1992-2001         Scientific assistant at different departments and assistant/dive guide during field trips of the LMU Munich (Marine Biology, Ecology, Limnology, Vegetation Science, Soil Science, Entomology)

Expeditions :

1) Expeditions of G. Försterra and V. Häussermann to collect anthozoans between 1997 ans 2002:

• “Chilean cnidarians I”: Arica to Punta Arenas, October 1997-April 1998, GME1: 16-17, 12-13; see picture of field laboratory above, photo2, photo3, photo4

• “Chilean cnidarians II”: Puerto Montt to Puerto Chacabuco, December 1999-January 2000, GME1: 16-17, 12-13

• “Chilean cnidarians III”: Puerto Montt to Puerto Chacabuco, January to April 2001, GME1: 16-17, 12-13

2) Expeditions organised as directors of the Huinay Scientific Field Station (since 2002):

• “Huinay Fiordos 1”: Northern Patagonian Zone (Chiloé Island and Guaitecas Islands), 28.2.-10.3.2005; Participants: Eduardo Hajdu, Gisele Lobo-Hajdu, Philippe Willenz, Mariana Carvalho, Vreni Häussermann, Günter Försterra, Donat Willenz, thanks to PROSUL Brazil! GME 3; photo, webreport of P. Willenz

• “Huinay Fiordos 2”: Central Patagonioan Zone (Tempano and Bernardo fjord and neighbouring channels, Puerto Eden), 20.3.-2.4.2005, participants: Vreni Häussermann, Günter Försterra, Roddy Foley, thanks to CONAF, NAVIMAG and Tempano project! GME 3, informe Tempano, photo1, photo2, photo3, photo4, photo5; report in Spanish.

• “Huinay Fiordos 3”: Central Patagonian Zone (Puerto Natales to Golfo de Penas), 1.3.-20.3.2006, participants: Vreni Häussermann, Günter Försterra, Michael Schrödl, Roland Melzer, Philippe Willenz, Liz Atwood, Christian Jorda, many thanks to CONAF and Navimag!, photo1, photo2, photo3, GME 5; report in Spanish; webreport of P. Willenz

• "Huinay Fiordos 4": Northern Patagonian Zone (Chiloé Island, Fiordo Palvitad, Fiordo Pitipalena, 5.3.-22.3.2007 (organisation), participants: Günter Försterra, Nicola Reiff, Roland Meier, Katharina Jörger, Russell Smart, Aruna Singh; photo1; photo2; photo3.

• “Huinay Fiordos 5”: Sponges of the Reñihué fjord. 9.5.-21.5., participants: Philippe Willenz, Eduardo Hajdu, Josh Biro (planned by Vreni Häussermann). Many thanks to the Pumalin Foundation!

•  “Huinay Fiordos 6”: Benthic invertebrates of the Northern Patagonian Zone (Parque Tantauco, Puerto Cisnes): February 10-27, 2008, participants: Vreni Häussermann, Günter Försterra, Nicola Reiff, Philippe Willenz, Michelle Marcotte, Josh Biro and Roddy Foley (planned by Vreni Häussermann). Many thanks to the people of Parque Tantauco!

• "Huinay Fiordos 7 (Replacement: Llico Bajo, Northern Chiloé): January 17-25, 2009, participants: Vreni Häussermann, Günter Försterra, Philippe Willenz, Michelle Marcotte, Josh Biro, Hannes Imhoff, Josefina Peters. Many thanks to Sinergias!

• Huinay Fiordos 8: Sponges and polychaetes of the Reñihué fjord: February 6-9, 2009, participants: Philippe Willenz, Americo Montiel, Josh Biro (planned by Vreni Häussermann and Josh Biro). Many thanks to the Pumalin Foundation! 

• "Huinay Fiordos 9": : Isla Navarino (Beagle channel) and Anihué (XII y XI región), 03.12.2010 – 29.01.2011, Participants: Vreni Häussermann, Günter Fösterra (con Fabian, Fiona), Michelle Marcotte, David Bybee (with Herenui, Tevai, Matohi, Ahiatea), Estefanía Rodriguez, Philipp Moell (with Alex), Alejandro Grajales, Graham Edgar. Many thanks to DAP, NAVIMAG, Naviera Austral and the American Museum of Natural History!

• "Huinay Fiordos 10": Reñihue fjord (Xth region), 19.03.2011 – 21.03.2011, Participants: Roland Melzer, Roland Meyer, Andrea Weiss; organized by V. Häussermann. Thanks to Pumalin Foundation!

Special Skills :
Languages:  German (native language)
                   English, Spanish, French (fluently)
Diving:         Rescue Diver (PADI) and CMAS Gold/*** (license for and experience in leading dive groups), Chilean diving license
Computer applications: Windows, MS Word, Power Point, Excel, Front Page, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Endnote, Internet (basic HTML skills)

Professional Interests:
General: Fjord regions and their latitudinal comparisons, marine protected areas
Specific: Systematics, biogeography, biology and ecology of anthozoans, marine invertebrates

Professional Affiliations:
Co-Founder of "Fjord Research Network" (2004)
Founder of the group of researchers „Young Anthozoologists“ (2003); www.anthozoa.com
Gesellschaft für Biologische Systematik (GfBS: Society for Biological Systematics, since 2001)
Verein deutscher Biologen (VdBiol: Society of German Biologists, since 2000) 
Census Of Marine Life (COML, since 2002)

Deutscher Akademikerinnen Bund (DAB: German Female Academics, since 2002-2010)

WWF (since 1989)
Pro Regenwald (1997-2004)
Greenpeace (1993-1997)

Hobbies:
Trekking, triathlon, sea-kayaking, ski-touring, nature and underwater photography

Further links:  
Webpage of Günter Försterra
Huinay Scientific Field Station, Chile
Census Of Marine Life (COML)
Sea anemone database
Underwater Field guide to Ross Island and McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

 

Diving in Dichato, Central Chile

Preparing the next dive; Isla Refugio, South Chile

 Some pictures taken in Chile:

 Tide-pooling on Chiloé Island 

For not disturbing and hurting the sea anemones, it is often easier to collect them with their substratum; Dichato, Central Chile

Caves can only be sampled by SCUBA diving; Caleta Gonzalo, 18m, South Chile

Sea anemones seem to have become more abundant and often dominate large areas; 18 m, Isla Laitec, South Chile

This - still unidentified - species of sea anemone is spending half of its time out of the water, hanging below intertidal boulders; Quellón, South Chile 

Large assemblages of azooxanthellate Scleractinia can be found in shallow waters of South Chilean fiords; Desmophyllum dianthus (larger corals) and Caryophyllia sp. (small corals); 20-30 m, Caleta Gonzalo, South Chile

Impressive accumulation of azooxanthellate Scleractinia, mainly Desmophyllum dianthus, under an overhang; Puyuhuapi, 25 m, South Chile 

...for more pictures of corals click here

Outside of the protected fiords, benthic communities are often dominated by sponges; Bahía TicToc, 28 m, South Chile

A colourful community of cnidarians and sponges; Isla Laitec, 25 m

Curious sea lions (Otaria flavescens) are common visitors of divers

The coast at Los Molinos near Valdivia, South Chile

The coast at Pan de Azucar, North Chile

Some conspicious Chilean invertebrates:

Actinostola chilensis surrounded by giant brachiopod Magellania venosa; Caleta Gonzalo, 25 m, South Chile

Boloceropsis platei hatches its young to overcome critical body size

The colour of the corallimorpharian Corynactis carnea is very variable, but always brilliant; Chome, 15 m, Central Chile

Alcyonium sp.; Caleta Gonzalo, 25 m, South Chile

Colony of large zoantharians: Parazoanthus sp.; Lenca, 15 m, South Chile

In Central Chile, the gorgonian  Lophogorgia platyclados is quite common; Dichato; 13 m 

Lophogorgia platyclados surrounded by the sea anemone Antholoba achates; cave ceiling , Dichayto, 5 m

A very unusual sea anemone, Dactylanthus antarcticus, feeding on gorgonians Primnoella sp. (photograph Lloyd Peck); South Chile

Hydrozoan (probably Hybocodon prolifer) on a yellow sponge; Caleta Gonzalo, 20 m, South Chile

The nudibranch Tritonia odhneri; Quellón, 15 m, South Chile

A crab eating an actinian; Quellón, 22m, South Chile

A camouflaged crab; Bahía TicToc, 20 m, South Chile

The sea spider Lithodes santolla or centolla is a favourite Chilean sea-food; surrounded by the zoantharian Epizoanthus sp.; Puerto Cisnes, 26 m; South Chile

Field of giant ascidians-Pyura praeputialis; Antofagasta, 13 m, North Chile

Colony of bryozoans; Puerto Cisnes, 22 m; and Caleta Gonzalo, 24 m; both South Chile 

Tentacle crown of a sea cucumber; Caleta Gonzalo, 20 m, South Chile

Many species of sea stars can be found in the fiord region; Caleta Gonzalo, 18 m, South Chile

Sea stars are often found in high densities on the rocky ground; Lenca, 12 m, South Chile...

...and they can become quite large...; bahía Tic Toc, 10 m, South Chile

See urchin surrounded by juveniles and Anthothoe chilensis; Caleta Gonzalo, 15 m, South Chile

Several species of Ophiuroida (Lenca, 38m; Isla Refugio, 28 m) can be found in South Chilean fiords

Most recent update: 28th of September 2011