Work

New records of the Longfin Batfish, Platax teira (Forsskål, 1775) (Acanthuriformes, Ephippidae), from Zihuatanejo Bay, Guerrero, Mexico

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Platax teira (Forsskål, 1775) is documented for the first time in Guerrero, Mexico. Juveniles and subadults were recorded at the Fandango shipwreck and on rocky reefs near Zihuatanejo based on citizen-science and our own direct observations between December 2024 and January 2026. These findings confirm an expansion of its distribution in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. The presence of this species at different life stages and its recurrence suggest potential establishment, highlighting the importance of monitoring this non-native species to understand its ecological impact on reef communities along the Mexican coast.

Source: Check List

DOI: 10.15560/22.2.343

Authors: Claudia Rebeca Navarrete-Torices, Litzy Maritssa Cruz-Cárdenas, David Petatán-Ramírez

Institutions: Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, Instituto Politécnico Nacional

Language: English

Topic: Marine Ecology and Invasive Species

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $161