First record of the Lessepsian fish Siganus rivulatus (Forsskal & Niebuhr, 1775) in the Sea of Marmara (Izmit Bay, Turkey)

Abstract

The marbled spinefoot, Siganus rivulatus (Forsskal&Niebuhr, 1775) was recorded for the first time in Izmit Bay, Sea of Marmara. One specimen was caught on 30 September 2019 by a small scale fisherman at depth of 25 m. The fish measured 151 mm in total length and weighted of 43.45 g. S. rivulatus is one of the Lessepsian immigrants who entered the Mediterranean more than half a century ago, and has now also easily adapted to the Sea of Marmara, which has a unique two-layered water system.