The presence of Ceratium furcoides and Boergesenia forbesii is confirmed on the Caribbean coasts of Panama. This finding is highly relevant for understanding the dynamics of introduction and dispersal of invasive aquatic species in the country. The presence of B. forbesii in marine–coastal environments and C. furcoides in continental ecosystems of Panama represents the first documented record of these species in the country and significantly broadens their distribution range in the region. Although they belong to different taxonomic groups and occupy distinct habitats, both share an invasive behavior pattern characterized by their dispersal capacity, competitive advantages over native species, and potential to alter the structure and functioning of the ecosystems they colonize. In the case of B. forbesii, its vesicular morphology and buoyancy enable it to efficiently colonize illuminated environments with hard substrates, displacing native macroalgae such as Chaetomorpha and Dictyota. On the other hand, C. furcoides has shown high morphological and physiological plasticity that favors its establishment in lakes and reservoirs, where it can generate blooms that deteriorate water quality and alter phytoplankton communities. The relevance of these findings lies in the fact that both cases highlight the same process: the vulnerability of Panamanian ecosystems to invasive aquatic species. While B. forbesii poses a risk to marine–coastal communities such as reefs and seagrass meadows, C. furcoides threatens the stability of continental ecosystems and the ecosystem services associated with freshwater. This coincides with studies emphasizing the influence of natural and anthropogenic vectors, such as currents, ballast water, and navigation, on the dispersal of marine and freshwater organisms. It underscores the vulnerability of Panama’s aquatic ecosystems to the introduction of exotic species and the urgent need to establish monitoring and comprehensive management programs to prevent, detect, and mitigate their potential ecological and socioeconomic impacts.
