Page 124 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

FISHES

Reproduction first dorsal fin with a leatherjacket
Common name: Reticulated

strong spine
identification

Scientific Name:
Stephanolepis diaspros
Picture

Brief history Dark bands

Pelvic fin
rudimentary
Key identifying features

This is a medium-sized fish up to 25 cm in length
(commonly 7–15 cm). It has a deep, highly
compressed body covered with smooth to rough
shagreen-like skin composed of very small scales
with delicate spinules.
Field identification signs and habitat
The first of the two dorsal fins consists of a single
The reticulated leatherjacket lives in small groups in
strong anterior spine just above the eyes; the second
coastal rocky habitats usually covered with
fin is often long and filamentous and has 30–33 soft
vegetation, such as algal forests or seagrass
rays, as does the anal fin directly below it. The pelvic
meadows. It has been also recorded in a coastal
fins are poorly developed and are more like flaps of
lagoon in Tunisia (Bizerte lagoon). Young individuals
skin. The mouth is small with pointed teeth.
also feed in open waters on sandy and muddy
The body colour is variable, brown to olive green- substrates.
grey with darker markings. The dorsal and anal fins
Reproduction
are yellow to orange. Adult males usually have dark
bands between the end of the anal fin and the base In Tunisia, spawning season last from July to
of the tail fin. December.

Stephanolepis diaspros, female. Photo: P. Francour Stephanolepis diaspros, male. Photo: A. Can - www.alpcan.com

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 121