FIRST RECORD OF TIGER SHRIMP (PENAEUS MONODON FABRICIUS, 1798), IN THE SOUTH-CENTRAL COAST OF VERACRUZ, GULF OF MEXICO

The first exotic specimen of Penaeus monodon (tiger shrimp) was recorded in the most important shrimp fishing ground of Veracruz, Mexico. In February 2014, one individual of 29 cm LT was collected at 90 m depth off South-central coast of Veracruz at 22 Km northwest of Coatzacoalcos port and 150 Km southeast from Alvarado. The tiger shrimp was introduced in Cuba in 1986 for cultivation. In 2013 the presence of nine individuals in the Campeche coast was reported. This recording evidence the movement of P. monodon into the Gulf of Mexico which is a concern because of their possible impact on local shrimp populations and their ecosystem.