Does Symbiosis of invasive species become common phenomena for the Mediterranean? Cheilodipterus novemstriatus (Ruppell 1838) and Diadema setosum (Leske 1778) is observed together in the Gulf of Iskenderun

Abstract

Cheilodipterus novemstriatus (Ruppell 1838), is native to the Indo-Pacific region. These species can be found mostly around the spines of Diadema setosum (Leske 1778) between 0-40 m in depth. During a scientific diving survey in the Gulf of Iskenderun, a shoal of C. novemstriatus was sighted around a D. setosum. Some photographs of the fish and sea urchins were taken. This is the second study that reports these two species in a symbiotic relationship in Turkish waters. Also, these records show that the Mediterranean coasts are in a rapid tropicalization process, and the Lessepsian species quickly adapt to the Mediterranean.