First record of the alien gastropod Melibe fimbriata (Opistobranchia: Tethyidae) in the Taranto seas (Mediterranean Sea)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 October 2004
Abstract
The first occurrence of the alien gastropod Melibe fimbriata in the Taranto marine coastal area is reported. This mollusc was observed on muddy bottoms covered with dense algal beds mainly composed of Chaetomorpha linum, Gracilaria spp. and the invasive chlorophyta Caulerpa racemosa. Occasionally, M. fimbriata specimens were found in proximity to mussel farms. Most specimens of M. fimbriata were observed during diurnal foraging activity and associated with anaspideans species, like native Aplysia depilans and the lessepsian immigrant Bursatella leachii. Melibe fimbriata can be considered a definitively resident species in the opistobranch fauna of the Taranto seas.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 84 , Issue 5 , October 2004 , pp. 1067 - 1068
- Copyright
- 2004 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
- 6
- Cited by