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First record of Cassiopea andromeda (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae: Cassiopeidae) from the central Mediterranean Sea

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 January 2010

Patrick J. Schembri ,
Alan Deidun  and
Patrick J. Vella
Patrick J. Schembri*
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta
Alan Deidun
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta
Patrick J. Vella
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: P.J. Schembri, Department of Biology, University of Malta, Msida MSD2080, Malta email: [email protected]
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Abstract

The occurrence of the scyphozoan Cassiopea andromeda is reported from the Maltese Islands, where a sizable aggregation was found in Marsamxett Harbour. This is the first record of this circumtropical species from the central Mediterranean Sea, hitherto known from the Levantine and Aegean basins. It is suggested that the most likely vector responsible for transporting this species to the Maltese Islands is shipping.

Keywords

CnidariascyphomedusaMaltaalien specieslessepsian invasionrange extension
Type
Research Article
Information
Marine Biodiversity Records , Volume 3 , June 2010 , e6
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2010

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References

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