New records of Tripedalia cystophora Conant, 1897 (Cubozoa, Carybdeida) along the southeastern Florida coastline

Abstract

Regional changes in coastal climates have recently resulted in many marine species expanding their natural ranges poleward. Among these newly migrating species is the Mangrove Box Jelly, Tripedalia cystophora Conant, 1897 (Cubozoa, Carybdeida). Discovery of this tropical species on the western coast of Florida has been well documented, but records on the eastern coast of Florida are less definitive. We identified 99 individuals in southeast Florida, including adults of both sexes. Evidence of a stable, breeding population of this box jelly on the southeast Florida coast was indicated.