Settlement evidence of the mediterranean parrotfish sparisoma cretense (Teleostei: Scaridae) in the central tyrrhenian sea (Giglio Island, Italy)

Abstract

New data are reported on the Mediterranean parrotfish Sparisoma cretense in the coastal waters of Giglio Islands (North Tyrrhenian Sea). Using visual census strip transects, we documented the occurrence of both adult and sub-adult individuals, providing evidence on the existence of an established population of this species, 26 years after its first record in the same location. The potential of this warm adapted fish to further expand its distribution across the Mediterranean coasts is raised and discussed.