1925

UNA

Marbled spinefoot

Inhabits shallow waters, prefering protected areas. It generally forms large schools of 50 to several hundred individuals. Feeds by grazing on algae.

It is a herbivorous species. Scientific evidence show that the intence grazing, especially in rocky areas, results in the creation of barrents. Apart from the effects on the algae, this has a wide range of other ecological effects (e.g. loss of habitats for animals, extripation of the native saleme Sarpa salpa, etc).

The venomous spine might cause a painful sting. No reports on severe cases. In addition, fishers complain on its effect on their fishing operations. It destroys nets (difficult and time-consuming to disentangle), reduces the commercial catch (if large schools of Siganus are being caught, then the amount of the remaining catch is significantly reduced), it has a low price and consumers do not appreciate it.

Yes

Yes (painful sting)

1964

UNA

Dusky spinefoot

Found in schools in very shallow water close to the bottom. Prefer hard bottoms of compacted sand with rock or coral debris. Feed on a wide range of benthic algae. May suddenly stop and erect its fins (dorsal, anal and pelvic) presenting an encircling array of spines to potential predators. These spines are venomous.

It is a herbivorous species. Scientific evidence show that the intence grazing, especially in rocky areas, results in the creation of barrents. Apart from the effects on the algae, this has a wide range of other ecological effects (e.g. loss of habitats for animals, extripation of the native saleme Sarpa salpa, etc).

The venomous spine might cause a painful sting. No reports on severe cases. In addition, fishers complain on its effect on their fishing operations. It destroys nets (difficult and time-consuming to disentangle), reduces the commercial catch (if large schools of Siganus are being caught, then the amount of the remaining catch is significantly reduced), it has a low price and consumers do not appreciate it.

Yes

Yes (painful sting)

1968

TS-hull

Pleated sea squirt

The larval and juvenile stages live on marinas and docks, oyster reefs, rocks and coarse woody debris: adults prefer marinas, docks and hard rocky substrates. It can also live in coral reef habitats and is found from the low intertidal zone to depths of 30 metres. It is a suspension feeder that uses a mucous net to filter plankton from the water and it is hermaphroditic.

No impact on biodiversity has been reported to date.

The species is known to foul cultured bivalves, interfering with their growth in Brazil, Hong Kong, Japan, and Spain.

Yes

No

1995

UNA

Yellowstripe barracuda

Forms large schools in inshore waters in the pelagic and demersal zones to a depth of 50m. It is piscivorous, feeds mainly on schooling fish such as Sardinella aurita and Engraulis encrasicolus.

No impact on biodiversity has been reported to date.

Its preference to small pelagic fishes, many of which are commercial ones, could lead to issues on fisheries. Yet, no impacts have been reported to date

Yes

No

2003

UNA

Por’s goatfish

It can be found in shallow littoral zone to 52 m depth. Feeds on hypobenthic invertebrates, mainly crustaceans and, to a lesser extent, polychaetes, which they detect with their barbels.

No impact on biodiversity has been reported to date. Yet, potential competition with the native Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus, might lead to native species’ extirpation.

No impact on health and ecosystem services has been reported to date. Nevertheless, extirpation of native mullids, which are highly commercial, might impact fisheries. On the other hand, since U. pori is edible, it might become an additional source of income for the local fishers. Indeed, in some areas it is sold along with the native M. surmuletus.

Yes

No

1947

UNA

Golband goatfish

Found in coastal waters with a muddy substrate, at depths of 10–80m on continental or insular shelf regions. Forms large schools. Usually fast swimming with short stops to feed. Sold fresh in markets. Utilized for fish meal. Valued also for its roe.

No impact on biodiversity has been reported to date. Yet, potential competition with the native Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus, might lead to native species’ extirpation.

No impact on health and ecosystem services has been reported to date. Nevertheless, extirpation of native mullids, which are highly commercial, might impact fisheries. On the other hand, since U. moluccensis is edible, it might become an additional source of income for the local fishers. Indeed, in some areas it is sold along with the native M. surmuletus.

Yes

No

1988

TS-Angl/fis

Red Filamentous Alga

Despite its abundance it seems to reproduce only by vegetation forming a dense, almost monospecific lawn.

The sub-littoral communities of the Western Mediterranean Sea have been affected and the same may be done in the communities of the Northern Adriatic Sea by this fast-growing species.

No

No