Natural hybrid of ♀ Diplodus cervinus and ♂ of D. levantinus (Teleostei: Sparidae) from the Mediterranean coast of Israel

Abstract

A morphomeristic and genetic analysis of an unusual specimen of Diplodus (Family: Sparidae) that was collected in the Mediterranean coast of Israel revealed that it is a hybrid of Diplodus cervinus female and D. levantinus male. Coloring, lip formation and teeth arrangement were intermediate between the parental species.