Abstract
The alien sea hare Aplysia dactylomela, established in the central and eastern Mediterranean, is recorded for the first time from Israel on the basis of two specimens photographed at Akhziv, northern Israel. A map of its spread in the Mediterranean Sea is supplied. The species is able to sequester secondary metabolites from its algal diet, mobilize them into its skin and digestive gland, and convert photosynthetic pigments into chemical deterrents. The role of anti-predatory defense in the invasion success of A. dactylomela remains to be studied.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 437-440 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Aquatic Invasions |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Aplysia dactylomela
- Invasive alien
- Mediterranean
- Mollusca
- Opisthobranchia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Aquatic Science
- Water Science and Technology