A new perspective on the distribution of Camachoaglaja africana (Pruvot-Fol, 1953) and Biuve fulvipunctata (Baba, 1938) (Gastropoda, Cephalaspidea) in the Mediterranean and the NE Atlantic

Abstract

During underwater monitoring, one specimen of Camachoaglaja africana and one of Biuve fulvipunctata were found at the 'Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo' Marine Protected Area, allowing to expand the known Mediterranean range of distribution of these two species. The finding of both species constitutes the first report for NE Sardinia and the whole Tyrrhenian Sea. By coupling data obtained from the analysis of social media and those present in the bibliography it was also possible to speculate on alternative pattern of distribution of these two species at a global scale. Finally, it is also confirmed the importance of repeated monitoring activities over time on the mooring buoys which act as steppingstone habitats for epifauna or for larval settlement and that are capable to provide important additional information on local biodiversity.