Page 108 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

FISHES

Reproduction Common name: Randall's threadfin
bream

long filament
identification

Scientific Name:
Nemipterus randalli
Picture

Brief history 4 pale yellow stripes

Key identifying features
The body is ellipsoid and slightly compressed. It is up
to 30 cm in length, commonly 5–20 cm, although in the
Mediterranean they seem smaller. The upper part of
the body is pinkish, becoming silvery on the ventral
surface. There are 3 or 4 pale yellow stripes along the
sides, and a golden dot on the pectoral base. The
dorsal fin is pale bluish, with the upper margin edged in
(3 spines, 7 soft rays). The pectoral fin (15–17 soft
red, with closely packed yellow markings on the lower
rays) is long and pointed.
three-quarters of the fin. The anal fin is pale bluish with
a narrow yellow medial band. The eye is salmon pink.
The tail fin has a red margin and is forked, with a Field identification signs and habitat
characteristic long filament extending from the upper
Randall's threadfin bream is a benthic species,
edge of the upper lobe, sometimes missing.
occurring on open sandy and muddy sea beds down
It has a single, continuous dorsal fin with 10 spines to depths of 20–200 m; in the Mediterranean it is
and 9 soft rays, and a slightly pointed anal fin mainly found at 30–80 m.

Nemipterus randalli. Photo: P. Consoli

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 105