First record of Cylista ornata (Holdsworth, 1855) and new records of Cylista troglodytes (Price, 1847) (Cnidaria, Actiniaria, Sagartiidae) on the Portuguese coast corroborated by genetic data

In 2023, Cylista ornata (Holdsworth, 1855) was documented for the first time along Portugal’s west coast during a long-term monitoring program. Cylista troglodytes (Price in Johnston, 1847) was also found. These finds represent the southernmost confirmed records of both species on Europe’s continental coast. Identifications were confirmed through morphological analysis and genetic barcoding, following initial sightings during a coastal survey initiated in 2021. These sightings highlight the importance of ongoing ecological monitoring and field surveys in understanding species distribution patterns and evaluating the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity.