Underwater surveys carried out in the Gulf of Antalya have revealed a marked increase in the number of invasive fish species migrating from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. Professor Dr Mehmet Gökoğlu, a lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries Sciences at Akdeniz University, explained that these species are being observed in much larger shoals than in previous periods, particularly in the rocky areas off Konyaaltı Beach.
Gökoğlu and his team are monitoring changes in the marine ecosystem by carrying out regular dives in the Gulf of Antalya. At Konyaaltı Beach, where one of the most recent dives took place, an increase in the density of certain fish species of Red Sea origin was observed.
Gökoğlu, noting that fish previously found mainly in caves, crevices and sheltered areas are now forming large groups in rocky areas, said, “The most distinctive feature of these species is that they move together. These are bottom-dwelling fish, not midwater species. Consequently, we are seeing them in very high numbers on the Konyaaltı rocky shores,” he said.
They are sharing the same habitats with native species
According to information provided by Gökoğlu, fish of Red Sea origin have begun to share the same habitats as native Mediterranean species. Noting that this situation could lead to the sharing of feeding grounds and force some native species to change their habitats, Gökoğlu stated that species known locally as ‘cave fish’, ‘shadow fish’ and ‘triangle fish’ have also been observed in the region.
Explaining that some species had previously been observed in small groups, Gökoğlu noted that the population has increased, stating: “They are moving in large shoals and now behave like a family or clan, forming colonies.”
Whilst it was noted that factors such as the climate crisis and changes in sea temperatures are causing shifts in species distribution in the Mediterranean, it was reported that the presence of fish originating from the Red Sea has become more noticeable along the Turkish coast.
They head for the rocks when in danger
Gökoğlu, noting that observations underwater revealed the fish communicate in various ways, said that the sounds they make whilst diving can be heard. He explained that when the fish sense danger, they emit distinctive sounds and head for the shelter of the rocks, adding that this is one of the forms of communication within the shoal.
Gökoğlu also noted that not all fish found in the region should be classified as non-edible species. He stated that some species, which grow to small sizes, could be considered as food if caught in sufficient quantities, but emphasised that these should not be confused with species that should not be consumed, such as the pufferfish.
It was reported that dives are continuing in the coastal areas of the Gulf of Antalya to monitor species changes in the Mediterranean.
