The occurrence of Ammothella longioculata (Faraggiana, 1940) (Arthropoda, Pycnogonida) in İzmir Bay (Aegean Sea, Turkey) and reported species from the bay

Abstract

Sampling studies in İzmir Bay revealed the occurrence of a pycnogonid species, Ammothella longioculata (Faraggiana, 1940). A. longioculata is reported only one time from the Turkish waters, up to now. The presence of this rare species is reported herein for the first time from the İzmir Bay, and also second time from the Turkish waters. The distribution map of the species in the Mediterranean Sea is provided, together with photographs and line drawings of the species. Moreover, all of the early studies were reviewed on the pycnogonid fauna of İzmir Bay, distribution of each species, depth range, and type of substrate are given.