CESTUM VENERIS LESUEUR, 1813 (CTENOPHORA) – A RARE GUEST IN THE NORTHERN ADRIATIC SEA

Abstract

We report the occurrence of the ctenophore Cestum veneris Lesueur, 1813 in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea). Three individuals were found in March 2022, representing the first documented record in the scientific literature in more than 130 years. They were observed and photographed in the sea, and two specimens were brought to the Piran Aquarium, where their behaviour was observed. Historical and recent literature on the occurrence of this species in the Adriatic Sea was reviewed. The occurrence in the Gulf of Trieste is likely related to the transport of C. veneris with the currents, and therefore we present simulation results for the period January-February. Despite the relatively rare detections near the coast, this species is probably widespread in the offshore waters of the central and southern Adriatic.