First record of Epinephelus costae (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from Galician waters (north-western Spain): Exploring the northward range expansion

Abstract

The first record of the goldblotch grouper, Epinephelus costae (Steindachner, 1878), from Galician waters is reported. Two specimens were recorded in the south of Galicia but only one of them was retained. Morphometric and meristic parameters, along with DNA barcoding, confirmed the identification of the preserved specimen whereas the other was identified based on a photograph. Results of the histological examination of the gonads of E. costae are also reported, showing a mature female at the beginning of the reproductive cycle. In addition, a review of the northern limit of distribution for the species is carried out.

Keywords

• NE Atlantic
• tropicalisation
• morphology
• DNA barc