New Record of Dendronephthya sp. (Family: Nephtheidae) from Mediterranean Israel: Evidence for Tropicalization?

Bio-invasions have the potential to provoke cascade effects that can disrupt natural ecosystems and cause ecological regime shifts. The Mediterranean Sea is particularly prone to bio-invasions as the changing water conditions, evoked by climate change, are creating advantageous conditions for Lessepsian migrants from the Red Sea. Recently, in May 2023, a new alien species was documented in the Mediterranean Sea-a soft coral of the genus Dendronephthya. This discovery was made by divers conducting 'Long-Term Ecological Research' surveys, along the coast of Israel, at a depth of 42 m. Genetic and morphological testing suggest that the species identity may be Dendronepthya hemprichi, an Indo-Pacific coral, common in the Red Sea. According to life history traits of this species, such as accelerated attachment to available surfaces and fast growth, we expect it to rapidly expand its distribution and abundance across the Mediterranean Sea.

Automated summary

Bio-invasions can disrupt natural ecosystems and cause ecological regime shifts. The Mediterranean Sea is susceptible to bio-invasions, particularly from Lessepsian migrants from the Red Sea due to changing water conditions caused by climate change. A new alien species, a soft coral of the genus Dendronephthya, was recently discovered in the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed to be Dendronepthya hemprichi, a coral common in the Red Sea. The species is expected to rapidly expand its distribution and abundance in the Mediterranean Sea due to its life history traits.