Field survey reveals novel Bartlettia stefanensis reef formations along the Muru River, highlighting vulnerable aquatic habitats amid intensifying droughts.
Calcrete platforms covered by tightly packed individuals of the Etheriidae freshwater oyster Bartlettia stefanensis (Moricand 1856) forming small reefs were exposed in several spots of the Muru river, Acre, Brazil, during the 2024 drought. Freshwater oysters were known to colonize submerged laterite outcrops growing inside cavities; but the reef-like formations recorded in Acre represent a previously undescribed aquatic habitat probably at risk as the frequency of extreme droughts increase due to climate change.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Olmos et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: