First record of the epipelagic Cranocephalus scleroticus (Streets, 1878) (Amphipoda: Hyperiidea) in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters

Abstract

This study aims to document the first occurrence of the epipelagic amphipod Cranocephalus scleroticus (Streets, 1878) in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters. During the winter of 2019, only one female specimen was collected by a zooplankton net from El-Dabaa sector on the western coast of Egypt. An investigation of systematic position and concise redescription, along with some structural photos, was conducted to confirm the identification. Habitat and distribution are also provided in the study. A new record, that has never been recorded before, is added to the list of species of the Egyptian Mediterranean fauna.