Yesterday, 19/11/2010, was handed to me by a fish of Avola (SR) or a fish not known to fishermen , much less to sellers. It is indeed a kind of "alien" to our Sea or, as often now we hear, "lessepsiana" (especially from the Red Sea crossing the Suez Canal is settling in the Mediterranean). The Fish Flute, Science Fistularia commersonii , it was introduced fairly recently in our pelvis and is just one of many species through the Suez are colonizing the Mediterranean. Fish showing a particular morphology is somewhat similar to pipefish and seahorses are normally present in our sea-in fact it is related species. The first striking thing about this animal is its long mouthparts (hence its name Fish flute) protrattile with which, as a result of continuous alternating contractions and expansions, quickly sucks its prey which are usually formed by small fish and crustaceans. Another peculiarity is the presence of a protuberance filamentous tail relatively long and very thin. The body of the animal has a long dorso-ventrally compressed and covered by a certain amount of mucus rather sticky. Because of its rarity in our seas has no commercial interest but is subject to chronicle. Often lonely moves in close to the seafloor, but can also be found in the company of a few specimens of the same size. It has already been reported in some parts of Sicily and ever since today Avola precisely where he was captured by fishermen in the sea overlooking the coast between Phalaris and Contrada "Hen" using a gillnet. The entry of these species in Our sea is connected to raise the temperature of the water as a result of the phenomenon of global warming. Often, these alien species entering our waters alter the balance of the ecosystem, but it's still too early to talk about specific effects on ecosystem level phenomena related to competition with native species. Further reports will be important in determining the distribution of this species in the Mediterranean.
The original in the photo is captured in Avola and is 105 cm long and weighs almost 600 grams. The species can sometimes exceed the length of 1.5 meters.
small and medium sized pelagic species belonging to the family of Scomberomoridi. Often move in shoals consisting of a large number of individuals who are usually roughly the same size. He makes very large doses migration away from the coast, there are certain times of the year (varying from region to region) is close to the coast. It is very common in all seas.
Scientific name : Sarda sarda, Bloch 1793
English name: Atlantic bonito
Morphological: hydrodynamic body, and tapered section slightly oval. Equipped with a wide mouth and sharp teeth and curved. First dorsal rather large. Powerful crescent tail. In the caudal peduncle of the hulls are quite developed. The anal fin is morphologically very similar to the second dorsal fin. In the back of the animal are visible several pinnulle in the dorsal and ventral. Sideline evident. Exceptionally exceeds 10 kg.
Colour: distinguishing characteristic of some species are present in the dorsal stripes oblique darker. The back is blue - blue, while the belly is white - silver.
Habitat and habits: pelagic fish and gregarious. Depending on the season and can live off that in the sections closest to the coast. Within its usual diet sardine, shad and anchovy.
Fishing methods in professional fishing is mainly caught with special nets and longlines kind arising out of the surface. Sportsmen him trolling with artificial or live with.
Edibility: flesh is good and tasty, but not equally valued in all locations.
In this photo of me with a copy of almost 2.5 kg caught in Syracuse in November 2010 using the known artificial trolling Rapala red head.
