Julián Martínez

First record of invasive Theora lubrica (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Semelidae) in the Atlantic Ocean

In the present paper, the semelid Theora lubrica is recorded for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean, based on numerous specimens collected in the Nervion Estuary and Pasajes Port (Basque coast, south-eastern Bay of Biscay). This species is native to Japan and the Pacific coast of Asia, and has previously been introduced to other areas outside its natural range. Its presence in ports or adjacent areas, suggests that the shipping activity is the most likely pathway of introduction of this alien species in the new settlements. On the Basque coast, the possible impact of T. lubrica on native communities is still uncertain. Future surveys will help us to evaluate its introduction.

An exceptional occurrence of Cavernularia pusilla (Anthozoa: Pennatulacea) off the Basque coast (south-east Bay of Biscay, north-eastern Atlantic)

An abundant population of the sea pen Cavernularia pusilla (Anthozoa: Pennatulacea), with up to 70 colonies m, has been found on soft bottoms off the Basque coast (south-east Bay of Biscay, north-east Atlantic). This species spreads in an area of several kilometres length, and its bathymetric distribution ranges between 35 and 85 m depth, reaching its highest densities at 45–55 m. Such a population is remarkable, considering the scarce available records of this species and its southern affinities. The geographic and bathymetric distributions of the species are revised and discussed.