Geographic expansion of the blackbellied angler (Lophius budegassa) towards the east along the Turkish coast of the Black Sea

The natural range of Lophius budegassa, originating from the Atlanto-Mediterranean region, extends from the Mediterranean Sea basin to the Sea of Marmara. However, its occurrence along the Turkish coast of the Black Sea has previously been limited to the Sinop coast in the Western Black Sea. This study provides the first scientific evidence of L. budegassa extending to the easternmost part of the Black Sea, based on capturing two specimens under different circumstances. This observation underscores the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems and the interplay of ecological and anthropogenic factors. The congruence between species temperature preferences and actual water temperatures in the Black Sea suggests suitable environmental conditions for L. budegassa. However, the absence of an established stock and the discovery of only two large-sized adult individuals suggest a potential isolated event rather than a significant range expansion. Factors such as navigation errors, food availability, or reproductive behaviour may contribute to the presence of L. budegassa in this region.