First Record and Massive Spread of Tropical Long-Spined Sea Urchin Diadema antillarum in the Mediterranean Sea (Syrian Coast)

Abstract

The biological structure of the Syrian marine environment still shows a rapid and steady increase in the number of warm water species, many of which have become dominant and invasive. In the latest field data during 2020-2021, the presence of the black sea urchin Diadema antillarum (Philippi, 1845) was recorded for the first time in several locations in Latakia and Ras al-Bassit coast, and its massive spread at depths of 5-8 m, accompanied by invasive species of macroalgae, sponges, crustaceans and mollusks.. It is noteworthy that this species is one of the most widespread and important species of sea urchins in some tropical areas, and this is the first record in the Mediterranean Sea and the Syrian coast It is important as it prey on macroalgae and has an effective role in the health of some of the most important areas of biodiversity in the world.