Niphates toxifera (Porifera, Demospongiae), a possible Lessepsian species now colonizing the coast of Turkey

This paper deals with the occurrence of Niphates toxifera (Porifera) on the Levantine coast of Turkey. This species was originally described from the coast of Lebanon and was known to be confined to a restricted area (Beirut-Syria-Israel). In February 2019, three specimens of this species were photographed and collected at 10-15 m on rocks (including cave walls) off Samandağ, near İskenderun Bay (north-east Levantine Sea), indicating its northwards spread. The distributional pattern and on-going range expansion trend of this species indicate the possibility of a Lessepsian species. This species is also a new record for the marine fauna of Turkey. The morphological and distributional features of the species are presented.