Modern problems in marine biodiversity records-illustrated by the case of the Caribbean Pelia mutica (Gibbes, 1850) confirmed in Brazil

Abstract

This report confirms the presence of Pelia mutica in Brazil, extending its range by approximately 4000 km south to the southwestern Atlantic Ocean from its most southerly recorded distribution. The presence of this small ornamental marine crab with cryptic habits and native to Caribbean waters raises some challenging questions about modern problems in marine biodiversity records. This case is an excellent example in relation to the importance of diligent biodiversity monitoring. It highlights why the skills of taxonomists are paramount when identifying silent biological invasion of supposedly irrelevant alien species in a modern Anthropocene epoch within an alarming scenario of defaunation and mass extinction.