Acta Adriatica, Vol. 67 No. 1, 2026.
Short communication, Note
https://doi.org/10.32582/aa.67.1.9
Unexpected occurrence of the Japanese amberjack Seriola quinqueradiata in the Mediterranean Sea: First record and possible introduction pathways
Francesco Tiralongo
; Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
*
Cataldo Licchelli
; Hydracoop, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Institute, Lecce, Italy
Anna Maria Pappalardo
; Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Giada Santa Calogero
; Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Venera Ferrito
; Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Francesco Denitto
; Hydracoop, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Institute, Lecce, Italy
Antonio Terlizzi
; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) into the Mediterranean Sea represents a growing ecological concern, driven by multiple vectors including shipping, aquaculture, and climate-mediated range expansions. In this study, we report the first Mediterranean record of the Japanese amberjack Seriola quinqueradiata Temminck & Schlegel, 1845 (Carangidae), a species native to the northwestern Pacific Ocean. A specimen was captured by an angler on 13 February 2026 along the coast of Nardò (Ionian Sea, Italy), near Zone C of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area. Species identification was confirmed through an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological examination and mitochondrial COI gene barcoding. A second specimen, likely belonging to the same species, was captured shortly thereafter in the same area. The most plausible introduction pathways were discussed. This finding highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of marine biodiversity, particularly through the integration of citizen science and fisheries observations, which are essential for the early detection of rare and potentially invasive species.
Keywords
non-indigenous species; Ionian Sea; Carangidae; Pacific Ocean; global warming; biological invasions; citizen science
Hrčak ID:
348991
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
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