The Mediterranean Sea is a fascinating ecosystem that is home to an impressive diversity of species. With over 17,000 different species, it is home to a wide range of marine life, from fish and molluscs to large marine mammals. This extensive biodiversity includes numerous fish species as well as various snails, mussels and crabs. These waters are also home to majestic whales and playful dolphins. The Mediterranean is therefore a unique habitat that plays an important role in the global ecological balance.
Zebra seabream – Diplodus cervinus
The Zebra Seabream, scientifically known as Diplodus cervinus, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Sparidae. This seabream is a common sight in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, where it can be found in rocky reefs and coastal waters. Its distinctive zebra-like stripes earned it its common name. Description & Characteristics The Zebra …
Atlantic lizardfish – Synodus saurus
The Atlantic Lizardfish, scientifically known as Synodus saurus, is a species of fish belonging to the Synodontidae family. These elongated, slender fish are characterized by their distinctive lizard-like appearance, particularly noticeable in their long, narrow bodies and protruding jaws. They are fascinating denizens of the marine environment, exhibiting unique adaptations for hunting and survival. Description and Characteristics The Atlantic …
European barracuda – Sphyraena sphyraena
The European Barracuda, scientifically known as Sphyraena sphyraena, is a predatory fish found in the waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean. This species is distinguished by its elongated body, sharp teeth, and powerful jaws, characteristics that make it a formidable hunter. Description & Characteristics The European Barracuda can reach a maximum size of 165.0 cm, with a streamlined body …
Streaked Gurnard – Chelidonichthys lastoviza
The Streaked Gurnard, also known as Rock Gurnard or African Gurnard is a species in the family of Perciformes and thus belongs to the superclass of Bony Fish. Chelidonichthys lastoviza was first described by Bonnaterre in 1788. The species is still often and erroneously referred to in many sources as Trigloporus lastoviza. Description, Anatomy & Characteristics The Streaked Gurnard has an elongated, almost conical body. Both the body and its …
Tube Hermit Crab – Calcinus tubularis
The Tube Hermit Crab, also known as the Colourful Hermit Crab, is a species in the order of the Decapoda and thus belongs to the subphylum of the Crustacea. Calcinus tubularis was first described by Linnaeus in 1767. Description The pinchers of the Tube Hermit Crab are striking. They are intense red with blue dots. The last limbs of all …
Bearded Fireworm – Hermodice carunculata
The Bearded Fireworm, also known simply as Fireworm, is a species in the class of the Polychaete. Caution should be exercised when diving. When the bristles of Hermodice carunculata penetrate into the skin they cause a burning pain that can last for days. Description The Bearded Fireworm has an elongated body that can have more than 100 segments. The segments …
Short-Beaked Common Dolphin – Delphinus delphis
The Short-Beaked Common Dolphin, also known as the Whitebelly Porpoise or Saddle-Backed Dolphin, belongs to the family of the Dolphins (Delphinidae) and is thus part of the infraorder of the Whales (Cetacea). Delphinus delphis was first described in 1758 by Linnaeus. Since it is widespread in European waters, it was for a long time the most famous representative of the dolphins. Only the Bottlenose Dolphin is more famous …
Common Bottlenose Dolphin – Tursiops truncatus
The Common Bottlenose Dolphin belongs to the family of the dolphins (Delphinidae) and is thus part of the order of the Whales (Cetacea). Tursiops truncatus was first described in 1821 by Montagu. Due the series Flipper it is probably the most famous type of dolphin and is presented in many shows. However, the Short-Beaked Common Dolphin is more widespread in European waters. Whether the Common Bottlenose Dolphin is …
Striped Red Mullet – Mullus surmuletus
The Striped Red Mullet, also known as Surmullet, Woodcock Of The Sea, Mallette or Goatfish, is a species in the family of Syngnathidae and thus belongs to the superclass of the bony fish. Description Mullus surmuletus has an elongated body. The colouration is sand-coloured, while the pattern can be variable. Sometimes it is red, yellow or brownish. On the sides the Striped Red …
Salema – Sarpa salpa
The Salema, also known as Karanteen or Goldline, is a species in the family of Sparidae and thus belongs to the superclass of the bony fish. Description The body of Sarpa salpa is high-backed and laterally, slightly compressed. It has a silver colour, being golden from the forehead to the centre of the back. In addition, it has many golden …
White Seabream or Sargo – Diplodus sargus
The White Seabream, also known as Sargo, is a species in the family of Sparidae and thus belongs to the superclass of the bony fish. Description Diplodus sargus is laterally compressed and high-backed. The body has a silver colour with several black, vertical stripes. These are not continuous and alternating stronger and weaker. Furthermore, the edges of the back, tail …
Ornate Wrasse – Thalassoma pavo
The Ornate Wrasse is a species in the family of the Labridae and thus belongs to the superclass of the bony fish. It was first described in 1758 by Carl von Linné. Description The male and female Ornate Wrasse are distinctly distinguishable from each other. Both have an elongated, laterally compressed body. In addition, females are usually smaller than males. …
European or Mediterranean Parrotfish – Sparisoma cretense
The European or Mediterranean Parrotfish is a species in the family of the Labridae and thus belongs to the superclass of the bony fish. Description Sparisoma cretense has a elongated body and is laterally compressed. Males and females are clearly distinguishable. Often they have their mouth open and you can see their teeth. The Mediterranean Parrotfish reaches a maximum size …
Wide-Eyed Flounder – Bothus podas
The Wide-Eyed Flounder is a species in the large clade of Percomorpha and thus belongs to the superclass of the bony fish. It is divided into two subspecies: Bothus podas podas and Bothus podas maderensis. Both differ in small things, such as the brightness of the color. Description The body of Bothus podas is sand-coloured and may be brighter or …
Cardinal Fish – Apogon imberbis
The Cardinal Fish, also known as Mediterranean Cardinalfish or King of the Mullets, is a species in the large clade of Percomorpha and thus belongs to the superclass of the bony fish. Apogon imberbis is the only representative in the family of the Cardinalfishes in European waters. Description The colour of Apogon imberbis is light red. Its black eyes are extremely …
Dusky Grouper – Epinephelus marginatus
The Dusky Grouper, also known as Merou or Dusky Perch, is s species in the order of the Perciformes and thus belongs to the superclass of bony fish. The stock of Epinephelus marginatus is threatened by overfishing and is classified as highly endangered by the IUCN. Description The Dusky Grouper has a high-back and a laterally compressed body with a big mouth that …
The best-known diving destinations in the Mediterranean include countries such as Greece, Italy, Croatia, France and Spain. Thanks to their picturesque coastlines and crystal-clear waters, these regions offer first-class diving opportunities and attract thousands of diving enthusiasts from all over the world every year. The fascinating underwater world of the Mediterranean, with its colorful mystical caves and historic wrecks, offers unforgettable experiences for beginners and experienced divers alike.
In conclusion, the Mediterranean is invaluable not only for its cultural and historical significance, but also for its rich biodiversity. The protection and sustainable use of this unique habitat is of utmost importance in order to preserve its beauty and diversity for future generations. Activities such as diving offer a special opportunity to experience the amazing variety of fish, crustaceans and other marine life up close. From playful dolphins to majestic whales, the Mediterranean is a paradise for nature lovers and underwater explorers.
