Page 106 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

FISHES

Lagocephalus sceleratus
Reproduction Common name: Silver-cheeked toadfish

Head long, angled, with
triangular shape Black dots
identification 11-19 rays

Scientific Name:
Lagocephalus sceleratus,
Lagocephalus spadiceus, Picture
Lagocephalus suezensis

Minute spines
Brief history
Key identifying features
Ventral side more developped
These three species of the genus Lagocephalus are
capable of inflating their bodies by swallowing water.
Photo: N. Michailidis
When not inflated their bodies are elongated and
slightly laterally compressed. The largest is L.
Lagocephalus spadiceus
sceleratus with a maximum length of 110 cm Common name: Half-smooth
(commonly 20–60 cm), followed by L. spadiceus at Reproduction golden puffer
40 cm (commonly 5–30 cm), and 18 cm for L.
suezensis (commonly 7–15 cm). The single dorsal 12 rays
fin (10-19 soft rays) and the anal fin (8–12 soft rays)
are both pointed with a short base and lie opposite identification
each other.
The tail fin is slightly concave. The head is long and Minute spines
triangular with a small mouth and two strong teeth in Picture
each jaw. The body is smooth with no scales, while More rounded
line
only very small spinules (spines) can be seen on its
belly and dorsal surface. Brief history
In L. sceleratus, apart from the two conspicuous lateral Pectoral fin with round
inferior edge
lines, the body is silvery to grey with regular black dots
on its back, except for the belly which is white. Photo: M. Kesl

Field identification signs and Lagocephalus suezensis
habitat Common name: Suez puffer
These pufferfishes occur in coastal habitats from Reproduction
sandy bottoms to seagrass meadows, down to a 10-11 rays
identification
depth of 100 m. They inflate their bodies when
threatened. In the Mediterranean this fish family is
carnivorous, feeding mainly on shrimps, but also on
crabs, fish (including individuals of the same
species), squids, molluscs and cuttlefish. Picture Ventral side less develop Minute spines

Reproduction
In the Levant, L. sceleratus spawning takes place Brief history
during early summer. Their eggs and larvae are
planktonic.
Photo: B. Galil

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 103