First Record of the Exotic Caprellid Paracaprella pusilla (Amphipoda, Caprellidae) in the Peruvian Coast

Study of small-sized or taxonomically challenging taxa is mandatory to early detect exotic species. The caprellid Paracaprella pusilla has been successfully spreading in many world areas the last decade. Biofouling from culture lanterns bivalves Argopecten purpuratus and Pteria sterna were collected between February 2017 November 2018 Samanco Bay Sechura Bay, Peru. This study represents first record P. Peru, confirming that species expanding towards lower latitudes along Pacific coast South America. was found mainly associated with bryozoan Bugula neritina hydrozoan Ectopleura cf. crocea. present contributes knowledge biodiversity these crustaceans Peruvian coast, but it recommended increase sampling Southeast Pacific.