The finding of an individual of Merluccius polli and another of M. senegalensis constitutes the first record for these tropical species in the Canary Islands. Two main hypotheses can be proposed to explain the presence of both species of black hake in Canary waters: straying individuals or a natural range expansion from nearby areas. This report also contributes to the knowledge of the morphological and meristic characteristics of both species, including their vertebral formulae and distinguishing features.