Work

First report of Phyllorhiza punctata von Lendenfeld, 1884 (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa, Mastigiidae) in the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean Sea)

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The white-spotted jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata was first recorded in 1965 in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, we describe the first record of P. punctata in the Balearic Islands, specifically at the coastal lagoon Estany des Ponts, Alcudia, Mallorca. An adult individual and several juveniles were found in the summer months (July and August) of 2023, suggesting a preference for an increase in physicochemical variables, such as salinity and temperature. Molecular analysis performed on an adult individual allowed its genetic characterization. The small size and the low number of individuals found at this site suggest a recent invasion of this area of the Mediterranean Sea. Possible pathways for P. punctata’s arrival in this area have been suggested, but further monitoring is required to evaluate the evolution of P. punctata communities in this region in the subsequent years and to establish, conservation strategies in the upcoming years.

Source: Mediterranean Marine Science

DOI: 10.12681/mms.38075

Authors: RAUL GONZÁLEZ, GAETANO CATANESE, MAITE VÁZQUEZ-LUIS

Institutions: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Govern de les Illes Balears, Universitat de les Illes Balears

Language: English

Topic: Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology

Subfield: Paleontology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico