On the presence of Synagrops japonicus (Acropomatiformes: Synagropidae) in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

A specimen of Synagrops japonicus was collected in the north-western Mediterranean during an exploratory cruise using bottom trawl nets, aimed at the evaluation of possible consequences of lost at sea drums containing toxic materials. The discovery of this specimen follows the first record that occurred in the same area 28 years previously, fished by a bottom trawler in the waters of Portofino (Genoa, Italy) in 1987. The morphometric and meristic details of the new specimen are provided. The presence of this individual in the north-western portion of the Mediterranean is likely related toan accidental transport of larvae via ballast water by ships coming from outside the Mediterranean basin.