Exotic and cryptogenic marine species in the coast of Venezuela

The introduction of exotic species is one most serious threat to marine biodiversity. This work endeavors to add to the knowledge of exotic and cryptogenic species to the have appeared on the coast of Venezuela, introduced by humans or due to naturally occurring range extensions. Twenty two exotic specie (2 species of algae, 4 of mollusks, 8 of crustacean, one ascidian and 7 species of fish) and 67 cryptogenic species (23 species of algae, 21 mollusks, 5 of polychaetes, 12 of crustaceans, 5 of ascidia and one species of fish) were identify. Those species that have appeared on our coast and are causing or could cause ecologic and economic damage are analyzed in detail.