Clinitrachus argentatus (Risso 1810) —Cline

Taxonomy. First record from Lebanon as Cristiceps argentatus Risso 1810 by George et al. (1964: 22); subsequently recorded as Clinitrachus argenteus (Risso) by Mouneimné (1977: 65); as Clinitrachus argentatus (Risso 1810) by Mouneimné (2002: 210). Recent unpublished records from Beirut (23 October 2003). Material in collection: AUBM, FMNH and USNM (as C. variabilis).

Distribution. Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Marmara, eastern Atlantic: Portugal and southern Spain south to northern Morocco.

Conservation. IUCN: Global (LC: 15 November 2007); Med. (LC: 15 November 2007). Capture and threats: HAB, unknown. Occurrence: Rare. Significant decline in the last two decades. Low priority for conservation action .