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In diatoms the use of molecular tools to corroborate traditional (morphological) identification offers a new perspective in the field of biogeography. This manuscript reports the first record of the raphid pennate diatom Nitzschia volvendirostrata along the coast of Mexico, which in turn represents an expansion of the geographic range along the American continent. The cells were isolated from benthic samples taken from Balandra lagoon, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico and cultured as a monoclonal culture. Morphology and morphometry of the diatom obtained from light and electron microscopy reveal that they correspond to the original description of N. volvendirostrata and also its chloroplast sequences, rbcL and psbC, showed 98.7 to 100 % similarity and a close phylogenetic relationship with N. volvendirostrata. The reported places for this taxon show that it has a tropical-temperate biogeographical affinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is the only member of the Ziphiidae family with a regular occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea. Much of the knowledge of this species in the Mediterranean has come from stranding data. This note reports the first records of strandings of Cuvier's beaked whales along the Tunisian coast. The two strandings described are about two specimens, likely adult animals. The first specimens was 530 cm long and beached at El Hicha (Gulf of Gabès, south Tunisia) on March 5th, 2019. The second specimens was 630 cm long and it was reported in Ras Angla (Bizerte, north Tunisia) on June 6th, 2019. Since this species faces multiple threats in the Mediterranean basin, this contribution is intended to extend previous knowledge of this species in the region and to push towards major efforts to be undertaken to fill the knowledge gaps regarding occurrence of Cuvier's beaked whale along northern Tunisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present the first record of Pagellus bogaraveo (Brünnich, 1768) from Syria marine waters. One specimen was caught by trawl nets at about 300 m depth in Rass Albassit, north of Lattakia, on 25 February 2019, and 6 additional specimens were caught by gill nets at a depth of 120 m off Jablah coast on 7 April 2019. This record represents the first sighting of this immigrant Atlantic species introduced in the Eastern Mediterranean (Levantine Basin). These specimens were found mixing in the same net haul with populations other Sparidae species such as: Pagellus acarne and Dentex macrophthalmus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Bay of Bengal coast, Bangladesh is a hotspot of fisheries abundance and diversity. A new species of Carangid family Alepes kleinii is recorded and described for the first time in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. Results: A total of 29 individuals of Alepes kleinii were collected from the surveyed areas between January to March, 2016. Validation of this species was confirmed by phenotypic characteristics including body and fins colour, shape, vertical stripes, number of fin rays etc. which were found to be identical to that of the Alepes kleinii described in existing literature. The regression parameter value (b = 2.81) of the length-weight relationship (W=aLb) indicates that the Bay of Bengal provides favourable environmental conditions for the growth and development of this species. Conclusion: The discovery of the razorbelly scad in these waters provide valuable information regarding species distribution and extension, location and habitat preference. This information is prerequisite for the sound management of the coastal fisheries of Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new record of Megachasma pelagios is here reported for the tropical western North Atlantic Ocean from Puerto Rico. Results: On December 10, 2016, a tourist reported an unusual stranded shark on Mojacasabe Beach, Cabo Rojo, on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico. Visual examination of the carcass and mitochondrial DNA analysis from a dorsal fin sample revealed it to be a 457 cm female megamouth shark. Conclusion: This record represents the first record of M. pelagios for the tropical western North Atlantic Ocean within the Caribbean Sea of southwest Puerto Rico and only the second record of M. pelagios from the North Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cetacean fauna of the poorly-studied waters off eastern Africa is still being described. Information on the cetacean species occurring in specific range states is important for understanding their geographical distribution ranges and for implementing national and international conservation and management measures. This report presents the first authenticated record of the Pygmy killer whale in Mozambican waters and the first record on the eastern coast of southern Africa since 1970. Methods: As a part of regular informal surveys for birds and other marine life from Maputo, Mozambique, three Pygmy killer whales were seen, approached and photographed north of Inhaca Island (25°52'54.22"S 33° 8'33.62"E), on 23 April 2017. Results: The animals were seen interacting on the surface for 35 min, travelling at ca. 1 km/h along the shelf edge in water 235 m deep. All three animals had been overlooked by the authors earlier in the day, misidentified as Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). Conclusion: This is the first authenticated record of Pygmy killer whale in Mozambican waters and the first recent record on the eastern coast of southern Africa since 1970, emphasising the lack of knowledge of offshore marine biodiversity in Mozambique. Previous reported records of the species in Mozambique lie outside Mozambique Exclusive Economic Zones or lack evidence. The species should be included in relevant conservation planning. Available identification material focusses on the separation of this species from Melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra) and fails to note the great similarities of this species with smaller dolphins. At-sea observers are encouraged to consider this species when identifying 'dolphins'. Pygmy killer whales are easily overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Syllis vittata is present from British Waters to the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco and the Canary Islands and recorded from the South African coast and Indian Ocean. Results and conclusion: In this paper, S. vittata is reported for the first time in the Dutch EEZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This report represents the first record of the sharpnose sevengill shark Heptranchias perlo in Guatemala's Caribbean Sea. Methods: Two H. perlo specimens were captured by artisanal fishermen of the coastal community, El Quetzalito. All specimens were captured with a trammel net, in waters of 200 m depth. Results: Both specimens were female with total lengths of 280 and 370 mm. Details regarding the identification and measurement of both specimens are presented. Conclusion: These specimens represent the first record of both species in Guatemalan waters. Also, this report further increases the species' range of distribution in the Caribbean and Central America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new record of Neoharriota carri is here reported for the Caribbean of Guatemala. Results: Two chimaeras, a male and female Neoharriota carri, were caught with a single panel trammel net off the coast of El Quetzalito, Guatemala in February 2015 and January 2016 respectively. Details concerning the identification and measurement of these species are presented. Conclusions: These records represent the first records in Guatemalan waters and the northernmost records in the western Atlantic for the distribution of N. carri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study represents the first record of Scyliorhinus hesperius in Guatemala's Caribbean Sea. Methods: Five male whitesaddled catsharks, S. hesperius, were captured in 200 m deep waters of Guatemala's Caribbean coast. Results and Conclusion: All specimens were male with total lengths ranging from 420 mm to 510 mm. These fish represent the first record of mature male S. hesperius, the first record for this species in Guatemalan territorial waters, and a range extension in the Western Central Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Penaeid shrimps are widely distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. These family is represented with 13 species (about six genera) in the Iranian coast (Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman). This is two species of the genus Metapenaeus Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891, was reported from the areas included Metapenaeus affinis (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) and Metapenaeus stebbengi Nobili, 1904. Methods: Four adult specimens including three female and one male specimens of Metapenaeus monoceros (Fabricius, 1798), were collected by bottom trawl in January 2013 from the Gulf of Oman, the Iranian coast. The specimens were identified by external morphological characters. Results: In the present study, we report M. monoceros from the Iranian coast of the Gulf of Oman. The present material represents the first record of the species from this area. Conclusion: Until now, only two species of the genus Metapenaeus Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891, was reported from the areas. This species is native to the Indo-West Pacific region. Now recorded from the Iranian coasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present report is the first record of the Pyramodon lindas (Markle and Olney, Bull Mar Sci 47: 269-410, 1990) from India waters. A specimen of Pyramodon lindas measuring 483 mm total length was obtained from Tuticorin of Gulf of Mannar which is the largest specimen of so far recorded. Results: The Pyramodon lindas measured 483 mm in TL, 85 mm in Head length, 18.1 mm in snout length. Body elongate, compressed to round and eel like, supramaxilla absent, anal fin origin advanced. The specimen was deposited in the National Biodiversity Museum at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi (GB.28.3.3.1) Detailed mophometric and meristic characters described and discussed. Conclusion: The Pyramodon lindas reported in the present study makes the total species reported from India as four in family Carapidae. The other reports were Carapus homei (Richardson, 1846), Pyramodon punctatum (Regan, 1914), Carapus margaritiferae (Rendahl, 1921) Brotula multibarbata Temmink & Schlegel, 1846 Antennarius hispidus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rhodymenialean red algal species Rhodymenia holmesii was collected in the lower intertidal zone from Dalya and Al-Hoceima (Northern Morocco, Mediterranean Sea). This represents the first record and description in the Mediterranean Sea. Results: Moroccan materiel was studied in detail and compared with other closely related species. Descriptions of the morphological features reveal thalli with flaccid blades, 8 cm long, regularly dichotomously branched and attached with stoloniferous holdfast. Anatomically, cortical region composed of 2-3 cell layers and medulla composed of 3-5 cell layers. Conclusions: This finding indicates that the biodiversity of the related sites is probably richer than generally thought, and other phycological studies will increase the known algal biodiversity of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Archipelago (46°53'S, 37°52'E), consisting of Marion and Prince Edward islands, is situated in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean, approximately 2 600 km away from the closest Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) breeding locality, Bouvet Island (54°25'S; 3°22'E). Methods: Two opportunistic sightings of an Adélie penguin at Marion Island on 28 October 2015 at Ship's Cove and Transvaal Cove, at 9 am and 5 pm respectively. Results and Conclusions: This is the first record of an Adélie penguin at Marion Island. An Adélie penguin was observed twice on the same day at two separate beaches approximately 2.5 km apart and appeared to be in good health. We assumed that the same penguin has been sighted twice due to the time lapse between the two sightings. Previously, 29 vagrant bird species have been recorded at Marion Island, including chinstrap (Pygoscelis Antarctica) and Magellanic (Spheniscus magellanicus) penguins. Extralimital sightings of penguins, as observed in this study, could potentially be a result of navigational errors due to severe storms or anomalous ocean conditions acting independently or in concert with other factors such as young age or poor health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capture of three specimens of Seriola rivoliana is reported from Mallorca (Balearic Islands). It represents the first report of the species in the western Mediterranean and the fourth and fifth for the whole Mediterranean. Morphometric and meristic measurements are provided, and the presence of this species and other Atlantic migrants of the genus Seriola in the Mediterranean are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capture of the species Bythocaris cosmetops in the Alboran Sea (southern Spain, western Mediterranean Sea), previously known from only two specimens from the Atlantic, Sierra Leone (south-west Africa) and the northern Bay of Biscay (north-west Europe), represents the first record of the genus and species in the Mediterranean Sea and Iberian Peninsula (south-west Europe). New data on morphology, biology and habitat are provided and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molidae are tropical marine teleosts that occur in all oceans. Among the species described, Masturus lanceolatus is considered rare on the Brazilian coast, with only four records found in scientific publications. The present study reports the first occurrence of this species for the coast of the State of Pernambuco (north-eastern Brazil) and discusses the possible causes of its being stranded. The specimen was found alive in the estuary of the Una River in the city of São José da Coroa Grande on the southern coast of the state. The fish was unknown to the local community of fishermen, who considered it a 'bad omen'. The occurrence led to an environmental education project in the community carried out by members of the Tropical Marine Ichthyology Group, which carried out an inspection, documentation, analysis of external injuries and collection of viscera for the subsequent histological analysis. After undergoing taxidermy, the specimen was donated to the Una Museum. Analysis revealed that the fish suffered from an intense inflammatory process of the liver caused by polycystosis of nematodes and Trypanorhyncha, which resulted in malnutrition, as observed by the low body weight. Moreover, a likely stranding left the specimen more vulnerable to different species of shark, which mutilated it, hindering its locomotion. This fish appears to have drifted and was thrown against the reefs near the estuary before its stranding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the first occurrence of Ophionereis dolabriformis for Brazil and increases its bathymetric distribution upwards to 14 m. The specimens examined were from the States of Paraíba and Bahia, in north-eastern Brazil. Descriptions, geographical distributions and ecological notes about the species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reef inhabiting fusilier, Caesio cuning, characterized by pinkish abdomen and yellow caudal fin exhibits shoaling behaviour and is known to be geographically distributed from the Gulf of Mannar to the Vanuatu Islands in the South Pacific. The present observation is evidence for the first record of this species off Goa, west coast of India, to be outside its known geographical array. The bay-estuarine and coastal region of Goa influenced by south-west monsoon receives nutrient-rich water during upwelling. Hence the region is highly productive and supports diverse marine assemblages. Moreover, the present observation reveals very low numbers (N = 4) of this species in the light of the trawl hauls (N = 92) with a core sampling effort of 146 hours, wherein it was found to occur only in two hauls. The paper also provides detailed insight into the description of C. cuning from this region with orthodox taxonomic methods including morphometry and meristic counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on parasitism in the marine fish Atlantic bumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Osteichthyes: Carangidae) by the cymothoid isopod Cymothoa spinipalpa as well as information pertaining to biological aspects. The fish samples were netted in the coastal waters of the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and examined on a monthly basis from January to December 2006. A total of 30 adults of C. spinipalpa were found in 26 of the 204 Atlantic bumpers sampled. A prevalence of 12.8% and mean intensity of 1.15 parasites per fish were registered. The isopods were found in the branchial chamber and buccal cavity of the host. However, the parasitized and non-parasitized fish did not show any significant differences in their mean body mass, body length and condition factor. A positive correlation was found between the total length of female isopods and total body length of the hosts. The parasitic isopod females were larger than the males. Occurrence of males in the branchial chamber and the buccal cavity did not show any significant differences statistically, whereas the females showed a preference for the buccal cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Bahamas is a region with high diversity of marine molluscs and a high rate of endemism. In certain groups of heterobranchs it is common to observe a distribution pattern consisting of an endemic species from the Bahamas, sister to a widespread western Atlantic species living in the same kind of habitat. This would suggest an allopatric speciation process and lack of gene flow between the Bahamian and the Caribbean subprovinces. However, the Bahamian aeolidacean mollusc Spurilla dupontae is sister to an eastern Atlantic congener. Results and Conclusions: In this paper, S. dupontae, to date considered endemic to the Bahamas, is recorded for the first time in the Caribbean subprovince (Martinique). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The midwater scorpionfish Ectreposebastes imus (Scorpaeniformes: Setarchidae) is distributed in tropical and subtropical waters of the worldwide oceans, at depths of 150–800 m. It has previously been recorded from the Gulf of Guinea in the eastern Atlantic. The present work extends the northern limit for the distribution of E. imus in the Atlantic Ocean to the area of the Canary Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lessepsian migrant fish Decapterus russelli was recorded for the first time on the coast of Turkey, north-eastern Mediterranean. A sampling campaign was carried out from January 2008 to March 2010. A total of sixty-seven specimens was caught with trawl nets at a depth of 15–18 m. Decapterus russelli was found in Iskenderun Bay on 17 October 2009, Mersin Bay and Erdemli Bay on 17, 18 and 23 March 2010. Some morphometric and meristic characteristics of this species are presented here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reports the first record of occurrence of the stargazer snake eel, Brachysomophis cirrocheilos, from Indian waters. Seven specimens were collected from the cooling water system of the Madras Atomic Power Station located near Kalpakkam, east coast of India, during July 2008. The paper provides a brief description with a photograph of the specimen, discussion on its relation with congeners and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trematode Phyllodistomum thunni is recorded here for the first time in the marine fish Macrodon ancylodon (Perciformes, Sciaenidae), king weakfish, from the Brazilian coast, South Atlantic. The fish were caught in the region of Valença, Bahia, Brazil, between August 2009 and May 2010, to study its parasite fauna. Seventy-four fish were examined and the kidney ducts of 11 of them were found to be parasitized by this trematode. The parasite prevalence was 14.8%; the mean intensity was 2.7 parasites per fish and the infrapopulations ranged from 1 to 5 parasites. Phyllodistomum thunni was originally described in yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares, from the Gulf of Guinea. Therefore, the geographic distribution and the host range of gorgoderid trematode have been expanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandy Skate, Leucoraja circularis (Couch, 1838), is recorded for first time from the Syrian marine waters. Two specimens of L. circularis were caught by bottom trawl at depth about 120 m on 20 February 2017, the first specimen was an immature female and the second an immature male; they measured 580 mm and 628 mm total length, and weighed 880 g and 1240 g, respectively. This capture represents the first documented record of the species in the Syrian marine waters (Eastern Mediterranean) so further investigations should be made to detect new species along the Syrian coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acanthurus guttatus is distributed from the Maldives to the Hawaiian Archipelago and the Pitcairn Islands, and as north as Ryukyu Islands and as south as New Caledonia. The only known locality in the Eastern Tropical Pacific is Clipperton Atoll where three vagrant specimens have been observed. Methods: On June 2016 and April 2017 small groups of A. guttatus were observed and photographed during SCUBA diving and snorkeling surveys for touristic suitability at Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica. Results: Six specimens of A. guttatus were observed swimming over shallow rocky reefs at Isla del Coco, a volcanic island located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Conclusions: This study represents the first record of A. guttatus at Isla del Coco, the second known location of occurrence in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, and the easternmost known range for the Whitespotted surgeonfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the first record of predation of the banded butterflyfish Chaetodon striatus on the jellyfish Chrysaora lactea on Brazilian rocky reefs. The activity involved a pair of C. striatus and was photographed and video-recorded. We believe that temporarily available food resources benefit species with a more generalist diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of Lebetus guilleti for the Italian seas is reported here. The finding is based on photographic records of specimens located in shallow waters off the Conero Promontory (An) along the Adriatic coast of Italy. This record expands the distribution range of this species in the Mediterranean and moves its southern limit in the Adriatic Sea 170 km further south, adding to the suspicion that the distribution of this cryptic species might be wider than previously described. Recreational SCUBA diving focused on biodiversity observations and underwater photography proved instrumental again in providing information about the presence and distribution of marine fauna, including the most easily overlooked species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The stalked barnacle Dosima fascicularis is reported from Uruguayan waters for the first time based on stranded specimens. It is suggested that the Subtropical Front is the main area of occurrence of D. fascicularis in the South Atlantic and its occurrence on the Uruguayan coast was found to be sporadic and mainly related to singular atmospheric and oceanographic factors that cast ‘blue plankton’ ashore (e.g. easterly and south-easterly winds, and prevalence of tropical waters). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The capture of one specimen of Chilomycterus spinosus mauretanicus from the Andalusian coast (Alboran Sea, western Mediterranean) represents the first record in Mediterranean waters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The African brown snapper Lutjanus dentatus is a fish native of the West African coastal zone of the Atlantic Ocean. Here we document the first recorded capture of this species in the Canary Islands, an archipelago close to Africa, in August 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]