The Chaetognath Aidanosagitta Bedfordii (Doncaster 1903) in the Persian Gulf

The distribution of Aidanosagitta bedfordii (Doncaster, 1903) is discussed relative to collections of it made in the Persian Gulf. There is no evidence that this smallest of epiplanktonic chaetognaths is an established species there. It did not occur in the environmentally stressed nearshore waters of Kuwait where A. neglecta, Flaccisagitta enflata, Zonosagitta pulchra and Krohnitta pacifica dominate. However, it constituted 3–15% of the chaetognath population at the most easterly station analyzed in Kuwait water. To the southeast, off Saudi Arabia, it was relatively common, occurring with A. regularis and Ferosagitta ferox, which usually characterize oceanic environments. It also was found, mostly in low numbers, at a few of the southerly stations in the western Gulf sampled as far as the Strait of Hormuz. Information from several sources shows that it is not limited to neritic condition, as often believed, but may instead indicate oceanic influence in the Gulf. Data on size at sexual maturity are included.