On the occurrence of the Indo-Pacific Champsodon nudivittis (Ogilby, 1895) (Perciformes, Champsodontidae) from the Mediterranean coast of Israel, and the presence of the species in the Red Sea

Abstract

The Indo West Pacific nakedband gaper, Champsodon nudivittis, is recorded for the first time from Israel on the basis of a single specimen collected off Ashdod, southern Israel. This species was previously recorded in the Mediterranean from eastern Turkey. Examination of Champsodon specimens deposited in the National Collection at Tel Aviv University revealed the previously unknown presence of C. nudivittis in the Red Sea. This presence suggests the species may have entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.