Lessepsian rabbitfish Siganus luridus reached the French Mediterranean coasts

Daniel B., Piro S., Charbonnel E., Francour P., Letourneur Y.

Published date: June 2009
Volume: 33
Number: 2
Pagination: 163-164
Publisher: Société Française d’Ichtyologie
doi: https://doi.org/10.26028/cybium/2009-332-007
Abstract

Two Siganus luridus (Rüppell, 1829) were caught in Sausset-les-Pins, near Marseille, southern France: the first the 9th of July, 2008 and the second one, the 27th of September. This constitutes a considerable extension of the distribution range of this Lessepsian species within the Mediterranean, as its northern- and westernmost known populations were located in the Sicily Strait and in Sicily. The origin of these fish is not clearly elucidated yet, although it could be linked to transport through vessel ballast from the eastern Mediterranean or Red Sea. The possibility of a natural migration from a distant population, such as the Sicily’ one, is also discussed.

Keywords: First record - Lessepsian species - MED - Siganidae - Siganus luridus
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