Preliminary evidence about the colonisation process of Kyphosus species (Perciformes: Kyphosidae) in the subtropical–temperate Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean sea

A review of the non-native Kyphosus species historically recorded in Galician waters (north-western Spain) based on morphological and molecular characteristics is carried out. The list is composed of 15 specimens recorded from 2002 to 2022, showing a clearly unbalanced ratio in favour of K. vaigiensis with respect to K. sectatrix (6.5:1). A similar analysis was performed by consulting ichthyological literature on the Kyphosus species reported in the subtropical–temperate Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The results seem to reflect a more recent and conspicuous appearance of K. vaigiensis in the Northeast Atlantic–Mediterranean area, suggesting a higher invasive capacity than that of its congener K. sectatrix, perhaps related to its greater mobility. DNA barcoding supports the morphological identification of K. vaigiensis from Galicia and confirms the Atlantic–Mediterranean and Indo–Pacific distribution of the species. In addition, the main distinctive morphological characters found in the ichthyological literature have been revised and the taxonomic status of one published record has been changed. The results indicate the need to monitor non-indigenous marine species in the current global warming scenario of the Anthropocene era.Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2019/2

Geographic range expansion and taxonomic notes of the shortfin Neoscopelid Neoscopelus cf. microchir (Myctophiformes: Neoscopelidae) in the North-Eastern Atlantic

One specimen of the shortfin neoscopelid Neoscopelus microchir Matsubara, 1943, has been recorded for the first time on the Porcupine Bank, southwestern Ireland, providing a new northern limit of distribution for the eastern Atlantic. Morphometric and meristic parameters confirm the taxonomic identification. However, DNA barcoding shows deficiencies in current taxonomy and the potential occurrence of cryptic species. On this basis, the specimen is cautiously reported as Neosopelus cf. microchir pending a taxonomic revision of the genus.European Maritime and Fisheries Fund | Ref. SP‐PORC‐Q3Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2019/2

Gaidropsarus gallaeciae (Gadiformes: Gaidropsaridae), a new Northeast Atlantic rockling fish, with commentary on the taxonomy of the genus

A new species of rockling fish genus Gaidropsarus is described based on six specimens collected in Galicia and Porcupine Banks, in Atlantic European waters. An analysis of morphological characters has confirmed the specific status of specimens of a previously described clade by comparison of DNA sequences. Gaidropsarus gallaeciae sp. nov. it is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: 43–44 vertebrae; 54–60 third dorsal fin rays; 44–52 anal fin rays; 21–23 pectoral fin rays; head length 21.1–25.2% of standard length (SL); length of the pelvic fin 16.2–19% SL; length of the first dorsal fin ray 15.8–27% of head length (%HL); eye diameter 15.8–20.5% HL; and interorbital space 21.7–28% HL. Using the nucleotide sequence of the 5’ end of the mitochondrial COI gene as a molecular marker, the genetic p-distance between the new species and its congeners far exceeds the usual 2%, granting the former the status of an independent taxon, which is in accordance with the morphological identification. A comparison with the other 12 valid species of the genus is presented. The study also highlights the morphological diversity resulting from the meristic and biometric variability of Gaidropsarus species and lays the groundwork for future taxonomic studies on this genus.The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) | Ref. SP-PORC-Q3Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia | Ref. UIDB/04423/2020Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia | Ref. UIDP/04423/2020Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2019/2