Presence of the alien species Godiva quadricolor (Barnard, 1927) (Gastropoda Nudibranchia Facelinidae) along the coast of eastern Sicily

Abstract

This work explores the second report of the alien nudibranch Godiva quadricolor (Barnard, 1927) (Gastropoda Nudibranchia Facelinidae) in eastern Sicily (Italy). Previously, this species has been found only in the area of Faro Lake (Messina), where now there is a significant population. The specimen here reported was sighted while diving in Santa Maria La Scala (Acireale, Catania) near a fresh water source. In fact, as it has been claimed by other authors, there is a strong correlation between this species and the brackish water areas. This work argues that this specimen has been brought to this area either by the Strait of Messina currents or by fishing boats, which dock at a small port in the study area. Since this is a species which easily adapts to different environmental conditions and feeds on other nudibranchs, G. quadricolor propagation could be a great threat to indigenous biodiversity.

New records of Biuve fulvipunctata (Baba, 1938) (Gastropoda Cephalaspidea) and Taringa tritorquis Ortea, Perez et Llera, 1982 (Gastropoda Nudibranchia) in the Ionian coasts of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea

“…Even for B. fulvipunctata, many adults' specimens were observed in Faro Lake with established populations . Therefore, as hypothesized by Lombardo and Marletta (2019) for G. quadricolor, the B. fulvipunctata specimen could have been carried in veliger stage through the Strait of Messina currents. Another hypothesis could be that the veliger of this species has travelled attached to the keel of some boats and has been brought directly in Santa Tecla.…”

“…A case similar to that of B. fulvipunctata occurred for another species, Godiva quadricolor (Barnard, 1927), a nudibranch of the family Facelinidae Bergh, 1889. In fact, this latter species was found in Faro Lake with stable populations (Furfaro et al, 2018) and then was seen in 2018 in Santa Maria La Scala (Lombardo & Marletta, 2019), a station located near Santa Tecla. Even for B. fulvipunctata, many adults' specimens were observed in Faro Lake with established populations .…”