Occurrence of the non-indigenous brittle star Ophiothela cf. mirabilis Verrill, 1867 (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea) in natural and anthropogenic habitats off Santa Catarina, Brazil

The brittle star Ophiothela mirabilis, thought to be confined to Pacific waters, was first observed in the Atlantic in 2000. Since then, it has expanded its range north to Trinidad and Tobago and south to Paraná, Brazil. By monitoring the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil, with both recruitment plates in harbors and SCUBA diving, we were able to observe specimens of Ophiothela mirabilis in both natural and anthropogenic habitats. This presents a range extension of ~80 km south and emphasizes the importance of anthropogenic means for their spread and establishment.