Page 112 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

FISHES

Reproduction large eye Short dorsal fin with dark tips
Common name: Vanikoro sweeper

identification

Scientific Name:
Pempheris vanicolensis
Picture

Key identifying features lateral line extending
onto caudal fin
Brief history
This small to medium-sized fish can grow to 20 cm.
Its body is deep and strongly compressed, the belly Pectoral fin long anal fin with
is triangular, the mouth is oblique, and the eyes are black outline
large. The dorsal fin is very short, usually higher than
long, and much shorter than the anal fin. An obvious
distinguishing feature is the dark leading edge of the
in groups under ledges in caves during daytime. At
short dorsal fin, expanding to produce dark tips on
night, they leave the caves to forage on planktonic
the soft rays (total 6 spines, 9 soft rays); the posterior
organisms in open waters, and return to their caves
region of the tail fin is also dark. The pectoral fin is
shortly before sunrise. The fishes form age-related
translucent with a distinct black outline forming a V-
groups of juvenile or adult forms which, although
shape along the lower edge. The anal fin (3 spines,
occurring together with other groups in the same
31–43 soft rays) is very long. The lateral line is
habitat, preserve their bond during the day and even
complete, gently curved, and extends onto the tail fin.
during night migrations to other habitats.
This fish is brown bronze in colour, with a greenish
The Vanikoro sweeper feeds on planktonic
sheen over the back. The pectoral fins are yellow
crustaceans and, to a lesser extent, on polychaete
without a black basal spot; the tip of the dorsal fin is
worms.
black, and the base of the anal fin is often black.
Reproduction
Field identification signs and habitat The spawning season lasts from April to September

The Vanikoro sweeper is found mainly on shallow in the Mediterranean, and the eggs and larvae are
rocky reefs at depths of less than 20 m. Adults occur planktonic.

Pempheris vanicolensis and Sargocentron rubrum. Photo: E. Azzurro Pempheris vanicolensis. Photo: M. Draman

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 109