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Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

Plotosus lineatus. Photo: E. Azzurro

Similar species Economic impacts

The four pairs of barbels together with the shape Plotosus lineatus is taken as by-catch; however,
and colour of this catfish distinguish it from any other there is no commercial value for this species
Mediterranean fish species. because of the highly venomous serrate spine in the
first dorsal and pectoral fins. The venom is
Brief history of its introduction and dangerous, and even fatal in rare cases, posing a
pathways threat to fishermen. The striped eel catfish has
however a significant commercial value in the
This is an Indo-Pacific species, occurring in the Red
aquarium industry.
Sea and East Africa eastwards to Japan, Australia
and Micronesia. It entered the Mediterranean
through the Suez Canal, and was first found in Israel Management options
in 2002 by trawlers. Within 3 years, it had spread These include a) early eradication of new
along the entire Israeli coast and it now inhabits all populations by MPA technicians through hand
sandy and muddy substrates down to depths of fishing, and b) maintenance of healthy and abundant
approximately 80 m. assemblages of top predators to encourage natural
control through predation.
Ecological impacts
It is a carnivorous species that feeds mostly on References
benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, Edelist D. et al., 2012. The invasive venomous striped eel
molluscs, polychaete worms and the occasional fish. catfish Plotosus lineatus in the Levant: possible
The most dominant species consumed are other mechanisms facilitating its rapid invasional success.
Marine Biology, Vol 159, Issue 2, 283-290
alien species from the Red Sea. It is thought that the
http://www.ciesm.org/atlas/Plotosuslineatus.php
increased abundance of these prey species may
have set the stage for the catfish to migrate, Drawings: Juan Varela
resulting in a complete change to the native
community structure.

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