First record of the marine mysid Hippacanthomysis platypoda Murano & Chess, 1987 in coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Mysids are key components of marine ecosystems, and changes in abundance or range may be indicative of a wider ecological condition. We report for the first time the collection of the mysid Hippacanthomysis platypoda Murano & Chess, 1987, previously known from California, in samples taken at a study site on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The record may represent a growth in population number, or perhaps a range extension northward. Drivers for this increased recruitment or expansion may include an opening of niche space following reduction of sympatric species by predation and ocean warming from El Niño effect.