Expansion of the geographical distribution of the caribbean reef octopus (Octopus briareus) to the gulf of Mexico

Abstract

An Octopus briareus specimen was recorded off Port Sisal, Yucatán, Mexico. This finding represents the first record of O. bria-reus in the southern Gulf of Mexico, expanding the currently known westernmost distribution area for this species on the American continent. The specimen was captured by scientific divers performing routine maintenance at underwater facilities in the area of the discovery. The col-lected specimen was an adult female weighing 25.3 g. The presence of O. briareus could be related to changes in the environmental conditions in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.