Abstract

Creseis acicula is a circumglobal holoplanktonic pelagic pteropod species, occurring worldwide in marine coastal environments. An unprecedented swarm of Creseis acicula was observed in United Arab Emirates, during May- June 2021. The initiation of the swarm was abrupt and lasted for about 2 weeks. The maximum abundance of Creseis acicula was up to 1000 No.m-3, 3 times the local record high, and 10 times the highest number recorded elsewhere. The rising occurrences of extreme weather due to global change, the possibilities of recurrent Creseis acicula blooms worldwide certainly deserve attention. This paper represents a brief report on the short lived Creseis acicula swarms observed in coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates.

Keywords:Pteropod; Creisis acicula; Arabian gulf; United Arab Emirates