Notes on Brachioteuthis riisei (Steenstrup, 1882) and Ancistroteuthis lichtensteini (Orbigni, 1839) (Cephalopoda : Teuthoidea) found in the Aegean Sea

The occurrence of Brachioteuthis riisei and Ancistroteuthis lichtensteini in the region of Argosaronikos (Aegean Sea) is reported in this note. Both species were collected by the experimental bottom trawl net used in the framework of the International Bottom Trawl Survey in the Mediterranean (MEDITS). A single individual of Brachioteuthis riisei was caught in June 1997, between 380-418 in of depth. It was a fully mature female with a mantle length of 66 mm, representing the largest individual ever caught in the Mediterranean and the first one recorded in the Aegean Sea. Five specimens of Ancistroteuthis lichtensteini were found in June 1997 and June 1998 at depths ranging between 685 and 760 in. All specimens were immature their size ranging from 55 to 107 mm DML. This is the first finding of the species in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean (cast of 23 degrees E).