Cubozoans (Cnidaria, Cubozoa) in the western Caribbean Sea: new and additional records of Carybdea xaymacana, Alatina alata, and Tamoya cf. haplonema

The cubozoans, a small group of medusozoans with 50 nominal species, have been under research, leading to uncertainty about the validity of some specimens. This study aims to confirm the species found in the western region of the Caribbean Sea. We conducted a review, utilizing specimens from samples collected, zooplankton collection, and collected citizen science data.

Specimens of four taxa (two species, one genus, and one order) were identified, and 42 data were compiled for the western coast of the Caribbean Sea (Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Netherlands). Notably, specimens previously identified as Carybdea marsupialis in the local collections were confirmed to be Carybdea xaymacana, and further studies on Tamoya spp. are needed to confirm the specimens’ identification. Further morphological and molecular studies are needed from localities in the western Atlantic.

This study is a first step to address other aspects of conservation and monitoring of cubozoans in the western Caribbean Sea.