Abstract:

Six non-indigenous species are recorded from southern Laconia, Elafonisos Island, Kythira Island and Messenia (Greece, Mediterranean Sea) along regularly observed transects, including updates to their distribution maps (status year-end 2019). The sightings of Pterois miles (Scorpaeniformes, Scorpaenidae), Diadema setosum (Diadematoida, Diadematidae), Torquigener flavimaculosus (Tetradontiformes, Tetradontidae), Abudefduf vaigiensis (Perciformes, Pomacentridae), Stephanolepis diaspros (Tetradontiformes, Monacanthidae) and Enchelycore anatina (Anguiliformes, Muraenidae) represent either first regional records or confirm the presence of the respective taxon. Observable morphological characteristics of the individuals are presented and discussed in the context of general morphological information. Distribution of the taxa is discussed in the context of the general current regime of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, a simple method for counting large numbers of fish individuals based on point counts using underwater images is presented.

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