This study provides the first records of the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda (Forskål, 1775) in the eastern Atlantic supported by molecular analysis. Specimens were observed, recorded, and sampled in an inland aquaculture facility in September 2023 in Tenerife Island (Canary Islands). This new record officially demonstrates the geographical expansion of C. andromeda, and the introduction of a new potential invasive species in the Macaronesia oceanic island system.

Available in open access here 

30/10/2024

A new study on the trophic niche of pilot whales in Webbnesia, using isotopic analysis, has been published. This research is a collaboration between Portuguese institutions (MARE-Madeira, OOM, CIIMAR, UAlg, UÉvora, and UMA) and Spanish institutions (UVigo and As. Tonina). The study aims to deepen our understanding of the bioecology of this deep-diving species, which plays a crucial role in the ecosystem and whale-watching activities in the Macaronesian islands (Canary Islands and Madeira). Given the limited number of strandings available to study their stomach contents, we have used indirect methods such as isotopic analysis to better understand their trophic niche and the differences between islands.

Available in open access here 

29/08/2024

New article published.

This article is a new record of the Cape Verde blenny (Parablennius salensis) from Madeira Island (Portugal). It is currently the northernmost record of this species. This record represents a further case of tropicalisation of the ichthyofauna of the Macaronesian region. 

We will continue to follow the evolution of this new boy in the neighbourhood! 

Article in: https://pfeil-verlag.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/46-2_12-es.pdf 

01/05/2024

New article published.

This paper investigates the trophic ecology of a very young pilot whale found with a mortal wound in the southwest of the island of Tenerife. This pilot whale, named Hope, was the first one that had to be euthanized to avoid further suffering to the animal in the Canary Islands. That day was tragic, and all of us who were present will remember it for life, just as it will always remind us that we must protect these animals and be aware of the threats and impacts that "human development" can have on one of the largest resident pilot whale populations in the world.

Special thanks to Francis Pérez, for the work done that day and the support given to this publication, as well as to all those present, veterinarians and staff of the wildlife recovery center of Tenerife (La Tahonilla), to the staff of the Institute of Aninal Health of the University of Las Palmas and to the people from the University of La Laguna who helped.

Article in:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/20457758/2024/14/3 

11/03/2024

Our new publication, based on a worldwide study, revisits what was previously thought to be a monospecific species of oceanic squid, the diamond squid (Thysanoteuthis rhombus). Our research has identified at least three distinct species inhabiting different oceans. As a result, T. rhombus is now restricted to the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, while T. major is found in the Indian Ocean, the North Pacific to the southern boundary of the Atlantic. In addition, a third species, T. cf. filiferum, has been discovered in the southwest Pacific.

The identification of cryptic species within the Thysanoteuthis genus underscores the necessity for enhanced fisheries management for this commercially significant species. This imperative task requires a meticulous consideration of the distinct fishing grounds associated with each species identified in this study.

Article in: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11160-023-09813-3 

Congratulations to all authors! 

14/11/2023

During 2022 several specimens of the rare Pholidoteuthis massyae were caught on the island of El Hierro. This species is still little known and these five well-preserved specimens will serve to deepen our knowledge of its anatomy, phylogenetics, systematics as well as its parasitic diseases. Thanks to the collaboration of Dr. Fernándo Fernández-Álvarez from ICM-CSIC, who visited our laboratory in December, we were able to carry out a complete sampling of the specimens. We hope to provide new knowledge about this species in 2023. 

Merry Christmas!

I wish you a year 2023 full of tentacles, suckers, ink and beaks!

On 8 October 2022, a new specimen of giant squid Architeuthis dux was found floating in the waters of the channel between the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera. This specimen, 1.1 m in length and 3.1 m in total length, was found in a good state of conservation. Thanks to the collaboration of Teo Lucas, Karima López (Tragsa) and Eduardo Almansa (IEO-Canarias), it was transferred and preserved for study. The necropsy and analysis that will be carried out will provide new information on the ecology and biology of this species in the Canary Islands.