The first record of Synanceia verrucosa Bloch & Schneider, 1801 and Pagrus auriga Valenciennes, 1843 from Cyprus

On May 14, 2020, a stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa Bloch & Schneider, 1801) was caught using a speargun in Kumyalı in the north of Cyprus Island. The fish was photographed and reported. On November 19, 2020, red-banded seabream (Pagrus auriga Valenciennes, 1843) was caught with a speargun near Girne (Kyrenia) Harbour. The fish is stored in the laboratory of the Eastern Mediterranean University, Department of Biological Sciences. These records are the first from the waters of Cyprus. The record of stonefish is an issue to be considered since its spines are quite poisonous.