Velella velella (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) in the Bay of Ranobe, south-west Madagascar

Abstract

Velella velella widely occurs in the tropical and temperate oceans of the world and the number of mass strandings of colonies is increasing. Although its historical presence in the south-western Indian Ocean is known, recent observations are limited to Tanzania, Mauritius and South Africa. This is the first record of V. velella from Madagascar and the Mozambique Channel since 1964. Given the perceived increase in gelatinous zooplankton abundance, the lack of recent reports from this area highlights the need to monitor its presence to help coastal communities face the negative consequences of potential blooms.