First record of the Indo-Pacific species Electroma vexillum (Bivalvia: Pteriidae) in the Gulf of Mexico
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Electroma vexillum is a bivalve native to the Indo-Pacific that was introduced to the Mediterranean Sea. This study provides records of its presence in the Gulf of Mexico. Organism sighting and collection was carried out between 2018 and 2019 and from November 2021 to July 2024 on 2 coasts of northern Veracruz, Mexico. The individuals identified as E. vexillum were small (<6 mm in length), had fragile and thin valves, and were found in the intertidal zone attached to red algae and green algae. The accidental introduction of this species could be related to international maritime transport, as Tuxpan seaport is located north of Veracruz. After 6 years of observations (2018–2024), E. vexillum can be considered an established exotic species in the southern Gulf of Mexico.
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