Page 104 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

FISHES

Reproduction Common name: Bluespotted cornetfish

Ventral side longer
identification

Scientific Name:
Fistularia commersonii
Picture

Key identifying features
Brief history
This fish has an elongated body shape, smooth skin,
a long tubular mouth (snout) with highly serrate long, whip-like Two blue stripes or
rows of blue spots on
ridges, and a long head. It is grey to olive-green, tail filament the back
grading to silvery white ventrally, often with blue
spots. At night, when the fish is resting close to the
bottom, broad, dark stripes appear on the back;
these stripes are sometimes visible during the day.
Reproduction
In the Mediterranean its maximum size is 115–120 cm,
and the smallest size ever recorded was 19 cm. The reproductive season lasts at least six months,
from May to October, with a peak in August.
The tail fin is forked, with two characteristic, very
Spawning starts at an average water temperature of
elongated, filamentous middle rays forming a long,
22°C.
whip-like tail filament. The dorsal (14–17 soft rays; no
spine) and anal (14–16 soft rays; no spine) fins are
on the posterior part of the body, and opposite each
other.

Field identification signs and habitat
Adult bluespotted cornetfish occur on sandy bottoms
or above seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica or
Cymodocea nodosa), but always adjacent to rocky
reef areas. They are either solitary or live in schools
of 10–20 individuals.

Fistularia commersonii. Photo: G. Pergent

Fistularia commersonii. Photo: E. Azzurro Fistularia commersonni juvenile. Photo: E. Azzurro

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