First record of Margaretta cereoides (Ellis & Solander, 1786) (Cheilostomata, Margarettidae) from Ras Juddi (Pasni), Makran coast, Northern Arabian Sea
Ahmed, Q.; Ali, Q.M.; Baloch, A.; Taylor, P.D. (2025). First record of Margaretta cereoides (Ellis & Solander, 1786) (Cheilostomata, Margarettidae) from Ras Juddi (Pasni), Makran coast, Northern Arabian Sea. Thalassas 41(3): 179. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s41208-025-00942-z
In: Thalassas. Universidad de Vigo: Vigo. ISSN 0212-5919; e-ISSN 2366-1674, more
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| Keywords |
Cheilostomatida [WoRMS]; Margaretta cereoides (Ellis & Solander, 1786) [WoRMS]; Margarettidae Harmer, 1957 [WoRMS]
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| Author keywords |
First record · Makran coast · Northern arabian sea |
| Authors | | Top |
- Ahmed, Q.
- Ali, Q.M.
- Baloch, A.
- Taylor, P.D.
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| Abstract |
This study reports the first occurrence of the cheilostome bryozoan Margaretta cereoides (Ellis and Solander 1786) from Ras Juddi (Pasni) on the Makran coast, Balochistan, Northern Arabian Sea. Specimens were collected from the intertidal zone between December 2021 and October 2022. Taxonomic examination confirmed the identity of the species based on diagnostic skeletal features observed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Previously known from the Mediterranean and Atlantic, this record represents a significant extension of the species’ known range and the first report of the genus Margaretta and family Margarettidae in Pakistan, extending the species’ known range to the Northern Arabian Sea. This finding highlights the underexplored diversity of bryozoans in Pakistan and underscores the importance of continued taxonomic surveys in the region. |
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