First record of the Western Atlantic cocoa damselfish <i>Stegastes variabilis</i> from the Levant (Perciformes: Pomacentridae)

Abstract

Abstract In the present paper, we report the collection of a specimen of the West central Atlantic Stegastes variabilis in the shores of Israel, eastern shore of the Mediterranean. This record was preceded by a record of this species from Malta, in the central Mediterranean. The present record suggests that S. variabilis has established a small population in the Mediterranean.</jats:p