A range extension of the Mediterranean Killifish (Aphanius fasciatus) is described along the northern coast of Cyprus at Morphou Bay. Several individuals of both sexes were caught on December 9th, 2015. The site where the fishes are found is a coastal salt-marsh wetland with gravel quarry excavation ponds that maintain permanent aquatic refugia even during prolonged droughts. This is the third coastal location in Cyprus where Aphanius is documented. The population is probably isolated from the others since there is very little chance of frequent dispersal among the existing populations due to unsuitable coastal habitats and the degradation of natural coastal wetlands. Since much of the coast of Cyprus has been rapidly developed this area is important for the conservation of Aphanius, as well as for other wetland species, and should be considered for inclusion within a newly planned protected area.
[A new record of Aphanius fasciatus (Valenciennes, 1821) on Cyprus; insights for conservation]