Lessepsian Migrant Research Articles

A dramatic northward range expansion of a Red Sea soft coral in the Mediterranean Sea

AbstractHistorically isolated from tropical influences, the Mediterranean Sea underwent drastic changes, including the Lessepsian migration facilitated by the opening of the Suez Canal, connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Here, we report on the discovery of a thriving and lush population of an Indo‐Pacific soft coral in the transforming Mediterranean Sea. This species was identified as Dendronephthya hemprichi (Klunzinger, 1877) through morphological and genetic assessments. The unexpected appearance of a dense population of this tropical coral off the Israeli Mediterranean coast signifies a northward range expansion of approximately 350 km from the northern Red Sea. Considering the potential for this soft coral to alter benthic community structure and create new marine animal forests, the population's sudden and massive colonization of artificial structures raises intriguing questions about its possible long‐term ecological implications in the Mediterranean ecosystem. This study emphasizes the urgency of continuous monitoring and research to understand the ecological consequences of this unprecedented abrupt tropical incursion of hundreds of colonies and its potential implications for the region's biodiversity. Moreover, the findings contribute to the broader discourse on the tropicalization of temperate and subtropical regions, highlighting the need to adapt conservation strategies that embrace and understand novel configurations of ecosystems in the face of ongoing local and global changes.

Regional assessment of important biological indices in the population of red cornetfish (Fistularia petimba Lacepède, 1803) along the eastern Mediterranean coasts of Türkiye

The Lessepsian migrants of the family Fistulariidae, which are widely distributed in the Eastern Mediterranean coasts of Türkiye, are represented by two species, Fistularia commersonii and Fistularia petimba. This study focused on estimating various biological indices of red cornetfish Fistularia petimba Lacepède 1803, eastern Mediterranean coast of Türkiye. The biological indices determined were: FI- Fullness index, HSI-Hepatosomatic index, GSI-Gonadosomatic index, EQ-Encephalization quotient, VSI-Visceral index, IWL-Zihler index, Fulton-K: Fulton-Condition. For this study, 65 red cornetfish specimens (♀:40, ♂:23, immature: 2) caught as by-catch in the nets of commercial trawlers, operating in the study area in the winter of 2021 were studied. The estimated length-weight relationship (LWR) was W=0.0001L3.34 (R2= 0.89) and the species exhibits a positive allometric growth. The mean index (M±SD) and range values calculated from the obtained data are as follows: FI 1.05±0.13 (0.83-1.26); HSI 0.43±0.05 (0.23-0.62); GSI 1.27±0.20 (1.08-1.46); EQ 0.0024±0.0003 (0.0022-0.0025); VSI 3.14±0.39 (2.08-4.20); IWL 12.37±1.54 (4.41-20.3) and Fulton-K 0.47±0.06 (0.43-0.51). According to these results, it can be hypothesized that this Lessepsian species is well established and thrives in the eastern Mediterranean coasts of Türkiye. Although it is evaluated as the least concern category (LC) in the IUCN Red List 2013, we believe that the species has an invasive potential. Therefore, this study, in which biological index parameters were presented for Fistularia petimba, may be important in terms of fisheries management, planning measures to reduce distribution and combating invasiveness.

Assessing the fish fauna diversity and abundance at Aegean and Ionian seas, with emphasis on certain NIS fish species via Scientific diving and Visual Census.

The Mediterranean Sea and its exceptional biodiversity suffer from non-indigenous (NIS) and invasive species. These result from Lessepsian migration and human activities. Species with the highest negative impact include Pterois miles, Lagocephalus sceleratus and Fistularia commersonii. The current study assessed the distribution and abundance of these three species in the Aegean and Ionian Seas in the context of the regional diversity of ichthyofauna. Using Scientific Diving and Visual Census, we focused on NIS fish fauna, and surveyed most of the areas where the occurrence or establishment of NIS had been documented. Emphasis was given to regions with limited available data. This study assessed the homogeneity of diversity and abundance of the fish species at the diving sites; assessed the most dominant species per region; and calculated relevant biodiversity indexes. Our results suggest that the south and east parts of the Aegean Sea are the most affected by the establishment of NIS. Samos Island is concluded to be an important region for the expansion of NIS to the northern parts of the Aegean Sea. Also, both the Saronikos Gulf and the whole area of the Peloponnese seem to have a pivotal role in the expansion of distribution of NIS from the east Mediterranean sub-basin to the west sub-basin. The genus Siganus seems to have very high abundances and population densities in certain areas, and therefore its establishment could have negative impacts in these regions. We conclude that scientific diving is not appropriate for monitoring the population status of L. sceleratus and we propose more appropriate methodologies such as the use of baited cameras and ROV's to be used in the future.

Dietary habits change of Lessepsian migrants’ fish from the Red Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

As impacts on the Mediterranean Sea are expected to grow in the future, especially with climate change, habitat degradation, and displacement of native species by non-indigenous species (NIS), the investigation of significant alterations to trophic levels in this diverse marine habitat is important. Analysis of stable isotopes from targeted consumers has previously been shown to reliably reflect that of primary producers, thus enabling us to describe and highlight potential shifts in the food web of a particular ecosystem. In this study, we used δ13C values of essential amino acids (AA) in order to examine the dietary composition of established non-native, Lessepsian fish migrants in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea compared to that of the same fish species from their original population in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. Our data show that a clear variance in carbon isotopic signatures exists in food sources consumed by the same species between the different environments, with the exception of the classic herbivore, Siganus rivulatus (Forsskål & Niebuhr, 1775), whose very similar isotopic patterns reflect the algal source they predominantly consume in both locations. With the results of this research, we propose that Lessepsian fishes with the ability to maintain their nutritional patterns, though not necessarily that of their original food source, will acclimatize better in their new habitat. Consequences of flourishing Lessepsian fish populations include a further tropicalization of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and the likely restructuring of local food webs.

Trypauchen vagina (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) a new established species in the Southwestern Atlantic

AbstractTrypauchen vagina (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) is a goby that lives burrowed into the substrata feeding on small invertebrates. It is native to the Indo‐pacific region, ranging from Kuwait to China. Recently, this fish has been reported outside the original range of distribution, being found in the Mediterranean Sea, and more recently in the northeastern Brazilian coast. The Mediterranean reports are usually associated with Lessepsian migration, while the reports from Brazil are possibly related to ballast water transportation. In the present work, we provide eight new records from southeastern Brazilian coast, all made in São Paulo state, far from the first record. These additional records raised concern since the presence of an alien species could implicate in environmental and economic losses. Thus, we decide to model the environmental suitability for this goby in the Brazilian coast, specially focusing on major ports, usually places with high ballast water propagule pressure. In addition, an analysis of the suitability in the Red Sea was also made, to verify the hypothesis of Lessepsian migration. The results revealed that temperature and primary productivity are among the most important parameters for the presence of T. vagina, also indicating a high environmental suitability for this species in the Red Sea and Brazilian coast, especially in southeastern region, where the new records were made. Due to the number of collected individuals, it is hard to affirm that this taxon presents a self‐sustaining population in Brazilian waters, but the several registers, in different locations and different life stages point to an establishment of the species in this new region. This population status allied with a high environmental suitability is alarming and should motivate new studies concerning T. vagina in Brazilian waters.

New Record of Dendronephthya sp. (Family: Nephtheidae) from Mediterranean Israel: Evidence for Tropicalization?

Bio-invasions have the potential to provoke cascade effects that can disrupt natural ecosystems and cause ecological regime shifts. The Mediterranean Sea is particularly prone to bio-invasions as the changing water conditions, evoked by climate change, are creating advantageous conditions for Lessepsian migrants from the Red Sea. Recently, in May 2023, a new alien species was documented in the Mediterranean Sea-a soft coral of the genus Dendronephthya. This discovery was made by divers conducting 'Long-Term Ecological Research' surveys, along the coast of Israel, at a depth of 42 m. Genetic and morphological testing suggest that the species identity may be Dendronepthya hemprichi, an Indo-Pacific coral, common in the Red Sea. According to life history traits of this species, such as accelerated attachment to available surfaces and fast growth, we expect it to rapidly expand its distribution and abundance across the Mediterranean Sea.

Risk assessment of Golani’s round herring (Etrumeus golanii) in the Greek seas (northeastern Mediterranean Sea)

Greek waters are the recipient of several alien species, mainly through natural dispersal following invasion and establishment of non-indigenous species (NIS) in neighboring areas, making their monitoring and mitigating their effects of paramount importance. The European Union legislation framework toward alien species invasions considers risk assessments as the top of the spear for a first assessment of NIS and their potential to become invasive or not. The Union List has already included top priority species, with very few marine species. Golani’s round herring (Etrumeus golanii) is a species of round herrings in the family Dussumieriidae, a Lessepsian migrant and belonging to a group of NIS in the Mediterranean basin that are less studied. Its distribution range is mainly limited in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea, while in the Greek seas, it has not yet been observed in the north Aegean and Ionian seas, probably due to temperature and oceanographical reasons. Its presence in the basin is recorded by commercial fisheries landings in several countries (especially purse-seiners), indicating a potentially positive effect on commercial fisheries. A risk assessment of E. golanii in Greek waters was carried out in this work, based on the Risk Assessment Scheme developed by the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (GB Non-Native Risk Assessment—GBNNRA). An overall semi-quantitative summary of risk, in terms of likelihood of events and magnitude of impacts, was facilitated for several attributors, including confidence levels for each one. The assessment highlighted a very likely possibility of introduction in the Greek seas from neighboring countries, as well as successful establishments of populations with high confidence levels. A moderate magnitude of impact regarding its further spread was deemed, while a minor one was indicated in terms of native species pressure and a minimal one in terms of economic costs and public health. Overall, E. golanii was not characterized as an invasive alien species (IAS) and local communities could benefit from its presence (commercial fisheries); however, further studies focusing on its reproduction and spawning grounds should be implemented.

First occurrence of juvenile Sargocentron rubrum (Forsskål, 1775) from South-Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey

In the present study, one juvenile specimen of redcoat Sargocentron rubrum (Forsskål, 1775) was first reported from the Mediterranean coast of Turkey with a visual record during an underwater survey conducted from the coast of Arsuz (Konacik), Iskenderun Bay, at a depth of 3 m, on September 11, 2018. The Family Holocentridae is currently represented in the Mediterranean by seven species, all exotic, six of them originate in the Red Sea (Lessepsian migrants) and one originates from the Atlantic.

Ctenogobius boleosoma (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae), the northwesternmost record of an alien goby in the Mediterranean Sea, and a review of Mediterranean alien gobies

The Western Atlantic goby Ctenogobius boleosoma (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) was found at the Agri River mouth, south Italy. It is the northwesternmost record of an alien goby recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. The present record confirms the presence of C. boleosoma in the Mediterranean Sea, recently reported only by the DNA barcoding of larvae collected in the mesopelagic depths of the Levant Sea. The present record of adult individuals, including ripe females, indicates an established population present in shallow estuarine waters matching the species’ native habitat conditions. The morphology and coloration of Mediterranean C. boleosoma are described and discussed. A detailed description of the cephalic lateral-line system of C. boleosoma is given for the first time. Ten species of the Mediterranean alien gobies are most likely Lessepsian migrants. Three gobiid aliens are Indo-Pacific gobies not present in the Red Sea and probably introduced by shipping. The alien gobies include only one Atlantic species and the Eastern Atlantic ingression component is lacking compared to the other alien fishes in the Mediterranean Sea. Indo-Pacific gobies have been quite successful in the colonization in Mediterranean and in the establishment of the Levant populations. However, contrary to other alien fishes, gobies show limited distribution across the Mediterranean Sea, with almost all alien gobies still being restricted to the Levant.

Phylogeographic and Morphological Analysis of Botrylloides niger Herdman, 1886 from the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea

Botrylloides niger (class Ascidiacea) is an invasive marine filter-feeding invertebrate that is believed to originate from the West Atlantic region. This species of colonial tunicate has been observed in several locations along the coasts of Israel and around the Suez Canal, but it has not yet been reported on the coasts of the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea (NEMS), suggesting an ongoing Lessepsian migration. However, the extent of this invasion might be concealed by reports of other potentially misidentified species of Botrylloides, given that the strong morphological similarities within this genus renders taxonomical identification particularly challenging. In this study, we performed a phylogeographic and morphological analysis of B. niger in the NEMS. We collected 238 samples from 8 sampling stations covering 824 km of the coastlines of NEMS. We reported 14 different morphotypes, of which the orange-brown, orange, and brown-striped morphs were the most abundant. Using the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) as a DNA barcode marker, we identified 4 haplotypes. The COI haplotypes clustered with the reference B. niger sequences from GenBank and differed significantly from the sister Botrylloides species. We confirmed our identification using three additional barcoding markers (Histone 3, 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA), which all matched with over 99% similarity to reference sequences. In addition, we monitored a station for a year and conducted a temporal analysis of the collected colonies. The colonies were absent during the winter and spring, while new colonies were established in the summer and expanded during autumn. We performed demographic population analysis on our spatial data that identified a possible population subdivision at a sampling site, which might have been caused by local freshwater input. Herein, we present the first report on the presence of Botrylloides niger in the NEMS. This study represents a key step toward understanding the diversity and the propagation of this highly invasive species of colonial ascidians, both within the Mediterranean basin as well as globally.

Ecological Indicative Stressors of Native vs. Non-Native Fish in an Ultra-Oligotrophic Region of the Mediterranean Sea

In the present study, we investigated the different ecological characteristics of native and non-native demersal fish collected in 2014–2015 on the shelf of the Antalya Gulf in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Lessepsian migrants originating from the Indo-Pacific Ocean were classified as non-indigenous species (NIS) and the other species, which were mostly Atlanto-Mediterranean, were classified as indigenous species (IS). The results showed that the faunistic characteristics of IS and NIS differed significantly in space but only partly over time. The density and species diversity of the IS increased with the seafloor depth, while the opposite pattern was observed for the NIS, which were found mostly in shallow waters. Proximity to rivers and Posidonia oceanica meadows and the presence of a marine protected area (MPA) were also important factors determining the differences in the ecological characteristics of IS and NIS. The ecological ordination of the fish assemblages in the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) space was V-shaped for the IS and =-shaped for the NIS, and it was mainly determined by bottom depth. Altogether, the ordination took the shape of a double strikethrough (V) due to the NIS filling an available niche. Hierarchically, the NIS (“occupiers”) and IS (“resisters”) shared the shallowest waters, while the middle-shelf waters were occupied by NIS (“gapers”) and IS (“escapers”) separately. The upper shelf was occupied only by IS (“homekeepers”) and “minorities” of NIS. Finally, we identified eight factors as ecological indicators of NIS and IS: bottom depth, bottom vegetation status, fish hierarchy, key species, water productivity, fish trophic level, life strategy and morphometry.

Key Environmental Impacts along the Mediterranean Coast of Israel in the Last 100 Years

In the last 100 years, the population of the land of Israel has increased dramatically, accompanied by a very intense and accelerated economic and industrial growth. The objective of the present review is to reveal how these major changes have affected the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment. The present review analyzes the global, regional, and local factors and processes that cause substantial environmental changes affecting a variety of marine habitats and taxa. During the past century these include: (1) seawater warming that enhances the considerable introduction and establishment of non-indigenous tropical, i.e., Lessepsian, species; (2) overfishing of native biota that seems to contribute to this process; (3) sea-level rise, associated with climate change, which may threaten the sensitive intertidal abrasion platforms; (4) chemical, noise, and light pollution and marine debris; (5) massive sand mining from the beaches, which caused severe erosion in many coastal sections and was banned in Israel in 1964; (6) extensive dredging in the sea, mainly related to the construction and development of large ports, which can be detrimental for the benthic biota, especially in rocky substrates; and (7) marine structures (harbors, marinas, detached breakwaters) that interfere with the natural pattern of sand transport along the coast and cause morphological changes (sand erosion or accumulation) on nearby beaches and the seabed. Israel’s coast is presently characterized by intense anthropogenic activity and many stakeholders with considerable conflicts between them and with the marine ecosystem. A few environmental impacts have ceased, and others have been reduced considerably, but the extent of many additional types have increased significantly, and new impacts have appeared in recent years. Some environmental impacts are beyond our control, and others can be reduced by proper management, but it is predicted that certain major environmental impacts, such as Lessepsian migration, will continue in the future at enhanced rates.

Parasites of pufferfish, Lagocephalus spp. and Torquigener flavimaculosus of the Israeli Mediterranean: A new case of Lessepsian endoparasites.

With the opening of the Suez Canal as a link between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea in 1869, the biogeographical event of the Lessepsian migration has been starting. Aided by beneficial conditions in the new habitat, almost 500 marine species have immigrated and often established themselves in the Mediterranean Sea, including several pufferfish species, with all of them extending their range and becoming important components of the local fauna. The parasitic fauna of these pufferfish has scarcely been examined in the Mediterranean Sea or in their native range, which provides the opportunity to study host-parasite interaction in a new habitat. The present study describes the parasitic fauna in four alien invasive pufferfish species (Lagocephalus guentheri, L. sceleratus, L. suezensis, and Torquigener flavimaculosus) of various sizes and ages on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. The parasite fauna of these species was diverse (Maculifer dayawanensis Digenea; Calliterarhynchus gracilis, Nybelinia africana and Tetraphyllidea larvae Cestoda; Hysterothylacium reliquens, Hysterothylacium sp. and Raphidascaris sp. Nematoda; Trachellobdella lubrica Hirudinea and Caligus fugu and Taeniacanthus lagocephali Copepoda) and consisted of mostly generalist species, most likely acquired in the new habitat, and specialist copepod ectoparasites, having co-invaded with the pufferfish. Additionally, the oioxenic opecoelid digenean Maculifer dayawanensis was found in two pufferfish species. The genus was previously only known from the Indo-Pacific Ocean, representing the eighth reported case of a Lessepsian endoparasite so far. Our results suggest a change in parasite fauna to native Mediterranean species in the pufferfish like previously reported in other Lessepsian migrant predatory fish species and a wider spread of co-invasion of fish endoparasites to the Mediterranean Sea than previously assumed. The study also provides several new host records and the first report for parasites in T. flavimaculosus.

Mediterranean spreading of the bicolor purse oyster, Isognomon bicolor, and the chicken trigger, Malleus sp., vs. the Lessepsian prejudice

The introduction rate of alien species in the Mediterranean Sea is rapidly growing, and their taxonomical identification is increasingly challenging. This uncertain identification often leads to an incorrect estimation of the number of alien species, their route of introduction, and their potential negative effects. This is particularly true for some bivalves, which are characterized by high variation in their shells, resulting in uncertain morphological identification. This is the case for two alien bivalves, i.e., an Isognomonidae and a Malleidae species, both characterized by confused historical colonization records in the Mediterranean Sea, misidentifications, and controversial and changing nomenclatures that have insofar negatively affected our knowledge on their geographical distributions. In this respect, molecular approaches provide a strategy that is especially useful when traditional taxonomy fails, and DNA barcoding is a powerful and well-known tool to obtain reliable identifications through efficient molecular markers. In this work, we used the 16S rRNA marker to assess the preliminary identification of Isognomon sp. and Malleus sp. specimens from different localities in the Southern Mediterranean Sea. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods were applied to test the monophyly of the phylogenetic linages and to clarify their taxonomic positions, allowing a complete overview of the colonization and spreading of these two alien bivalves in the Mediterranean Sea. In particular, the Isognomon sp. specimens were identified as the Atlantic I. bicolor, highlighting that previously suggested invasive migration patterns, (i.e., the Lessepsian migration), must be reconsidered with stronger critical attention in light of currently occurring global changes.

A new genetic lineage of Asparagopsis taxiformis (Rhodophyta) in the Mediterranean Sea: As the DNA barcoding indicates a recent Lessepsian introduction

Asparagopsis taxiformis(Delile) Trevisan is a red marine macroalga (Bonnemaisoniales, Rhodophyta) with high invasive potential and broad worldwide distribution. In the Mediterranean Sea,A. taxiformiswas reported before the opening of the Suez Canal and is comprised of two different cryptic lineages, named L2 and L3. As for the Israeli Mediterranean Sea (IMS),A. taxiformisbenthic populations have seemingly expanded with several large seasonal blooms recorded in recent years. However, neither ecology nor molecular substantial studies have been conducted for this particular geographical area. Increasing sampling intensity and geographical coverage may reveal new lineages or indicate human-mediated spread routes not only forA. taxiformisbut for macroalgae in general. This approach is particularly important in areas such as the eastern Mediterranean Sea, which experiences intense biological invasion on a global scale. In this study, randomly samples specimens (n = 30) ofA. taxiformisand preserved herbarium samples (n = 4) collected from the IMS in the past, were all barcoded and taxonomically identified using three molecular genetic markers (LSU,cox2-3 spacer, andrbcL). We found a cryptic lineage 4 (L4) ofA. taxiformisfirst reported here for the Mediterranean Sea, and previously described for the western Indo-Pacific and Hawaii. Herbarium samples confirmed the presence of L4 as early as 2013. Comparative assessment ofcox2-3 spacer marker indicates 100% similarity to sequenced L4 samples from Egypt in the Red Sea. The IMScox2-3 spacer sequences differed from previously sequenced samples from the Mediterranean Sea by 2.3% and 3.9% bp, compared to L3 and L2 Mediterranean populations, respectively. Morphological inspections indicate monoecious L4 gametophytes which are larger than the L4 population reported previously from Hawaii. Altogether, our results strongly indicate a Lessepsian migration route forA. taxiformisL4 with yet unknown consequences for the local marine ecosystems.

Range expansion of Marinomyxa marina, a phytomyxid parasite of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea, to the Caribbean

Halophila stipulacea, a small seagrass species native to the Indo-Pacific, is a Lessepsian migrant and a high-profile invader that has successfully colonized two exotic regions, the Mediterranean (first observed in 1894) and the Caribbean (2002). In 1961, an intracellular phytomyxid parasite, Marinomyxa marina (SAR: Rhizaria: Endomyxa: Phytomyxea) was discovered in the petioles of H. stipulacea in the Red Sea, and three decades later, it was reported off the coast of Sicily (Mediterranean), suggesting parallel migration of the two organisms. In 2018, infected petioles of H. stipulacea were also observed in St. Eustatius (Caribbean), but the identity of the causative agent remained unresolved. Here, we provide information on four new localities of phytomyxid-infested populations of H. stipulacea in Greece (Mediterranean), and Bonaire and Martinique (Caribbean), including notes on infection prevalence and seasonal dynamics. Using the 18S rRNA barcoding gene, we bring molecular evidence that the disease is caused by a genetically uniform variant of M. marina at all the examined sites. We conclude that the parasite is now widespread throughout both invaded regions and has been present in the Caribbean since 2013 at the latest. For the first time, the production of fruits in infected plants is observed, indicating a non-lethal nature of the symbiosis. While the arrival of M. marina to the Caribbean is unlikely to alleviate the current invasiveness of H. stipulacea, we emphasize the need for its further monitoring since the host-specificity and general biology of seagrass-associated phytomyxids are still poorly understood.

Tanaidacea (Crustacea: Malacostraca: Peracarida) from soft-sediment shelf habitats off the Mediterranean coast of Israel (Levant Sea) –taxonomy, faunistics and ecological aspects

A 74-year zoogeographic and faunistic description of the shelf soft substrate peracaridan Tanaidacea along the Israeli coast, the eastern-most part of the Mediterranean, is provided here. The presence of three apseudomorphan and ten tanaidomorphanfamilies, with 28 species, is recorded, of which four are reported from the region for the first time, and five are new species in the genera Araphura, Nippognathiopsis, Paratyphlotanais, and Typhlotanais. In addition, a new genus is established for Akanthophoreus nanopsenos, Leptochelia tanykeraia is redescribed, and the presence of Chondrochelia savignyi is demonstrated. The tanaid shelf community essentially belongs to the Mediterranean zoogeographic province but has several Mediterranean-Atlantic species. Lessepsian (Erythrean) migration is currently indicated by the presence of one species, the Indo-Pacific kalliapseudid Cristapseudes omercooperi, which has established a population in the studied area. Its settlement strategy is demonstrated and discussed. The poor Indo-Pacific representation is possibly due to the lack of planktonic larvae in this peracarid group, reducing the chance of dispersion or transport from the Indo-Pacific realm via the Suez Canal.

Invasive Species Drive Human Poisoning: The Case of the Silver Cheeked Pufferfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789)

Since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, a phenomenon of biotic immigration, often reported as ‘Lessepsian migration’, took place from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Besides causing huge ecological impacts, this massive invasion has resulted in the introduction of toxic species producing tetrodotoxin (TTX), with associated risks for human health. The subject of this review is the silver checked pufferfish Lagocephalus scelaratus, which has rapidly spread through the eastern Mediterranean and is currently expanding. The aim of this study is to provide a review of the current state of the art regarding the presence of L. sceleratus in the Mediterranean Sea and the related emerging problem of food poisoning risks to European consumers due to the tetrodotoxin contained in this species. In addition, the production of tetrodotoxin in pufferfish, its mechanism of action once ingested, and its potential lethality to humans is discussed. Here we listed 93 reported cases of intoxication and 12 deaths due to the consumption of this species in the Mediterranean Sea. It is clear from this review that the likelihood of catching L. sceleratus in the Mediterranean Sea is increasing and consequently the possibility of it accidentally ending up in the food chain. Possible solutions to this emerging issue are reported and discussed.

Postulating the Modality of Integrative Taxonomy in Describing the Cryptic Congener Pampus griseus (Cuvier) and Systematics of the Genus Pampus (Perciformes: Stromateidae)

Pomfrets (genus Pampus), a highly commercial fishery resource distributed in the Indo-Western Pacific that includes Lessepsian migrants, have witnessed a series of systematic reforms. In this study, based on comprehensive sampling spanning type localities and coevals in the Northern Indian Ocean, the cryptic and valid species Stromateus griseus is resurrected from the synonymy and re-described as Pampus griseus (New Combination) based on 35 specimens from the Bay of Bengal, corroborated by a molecular analysis, which indicated a confined distribution of the species. The Bayesian phylogeny of the genus was reconstructed, incorporating redressed barcodes (582 nucleotides) and concatenated mitochondrial gene sequence data (1,822 nucleotides) generated from the recorded species P. candidus, P. chinensis and the neophyte along with sequences from GenBank entrusting the latest literature. The phylograms differed in topology as for seven valid species, and the one predicated on the concatenated data erected a highly supported polytomous clade for the P. cinereus complex (P. griseus, P. cinereus, and P. candidus) which shares synapomorphies. Pampus argenteus and P. minor, together, formed a sister clade to the rest. Climate-driven vicariant events during glacial epochs and the Indo-Pacific Barrier effect can be the drivers behind the Indian and Pacific Ocean sister lineages in P. chinensis. A multivariate analysis isolated the cryptic species from its congeners. This article portrays the systematics revision of genus Pampus with an integrative taxonomic approach compiling distinctive molecular, morphological, and anatomical features, revised key for species identification, taxonomic archives of Indian stromateids, and winds up with specific remarks.

The first record of the lessepsian migrant Pteragogus trispilus Randall 2013 (Osteichthyes: Labridae) off the Libyan coast, east Mediterranean Sea

The Red and Mediterranean seas are connected by the Suez Canal. Since its opening, the Canal has been regarded as a hotbed for invading alien species. During the lessepsian migration, species find their way into the Mediterranean waters and the opposite rarely happens. A single specimen of the Lessepsian migrant labrid fish was obtained at a depth of 20 m during a fishing field trip in Al-Bardi region near the Libyan-Egyptian border. The fish sample was transported to the laboratory (Marine Resources Department, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Tobruk University, Tobruk, Libya) and subjected to morphometric and meristic measurements to facilitate its identification. The scientific identification has verified that the caught fish is Pteragogus trispilus belonging to family Labridae. This is the first record of Pteragogus trispilus in the east Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast.