First record of Pelagia noctiluca (Forssk ål, 1775) on the coast of Syria

Abstract

Background: Alien jellyfish species are increasing in the Mediterranean coast of Syria. The Lattakia port area has been monitored since 2010, and three gelatinous species (Phyllorhiza punctata, Cassiopea andromeda and Salpa maxima) were recorded for the first time in Syrian coastal waters (Durgham, J Oceans Oceanogr 5:153-155, 2011; Siokou et al, Mediterr Mar Sci 14:238-249, 2013; Bilecenoglu et al, Mediterr Mar Sci 14:463-480, 2013). Methods: Two specimens of Pelagia noctiluca were caught in the coastal waters about 3 km North West of Lattakia port, after Several hundred dives have been made at more than 20 sites down to 40 m depth. Results and conclusion: This research led to the identification of the first record of the mauve stinger Pelagia noctiluca (Forsskål, 1775) on the Mediterranean coast of Syria. This jelly fish has been observed on 14 June 2014 near Lattakia Port, and Several observations indicate that these individuals may have been transported via ballast water.