New data on Aplidium tabarquense (Tunicata: Ascidiacea)distribution in the Adriatic Sea

Authors: SLAVICA PETOVIC, FLAVIA GRIECO, VESNA MACIC, FEDERICA MONTESANTO, FRANCESCO MASTROTOTARO

Abstract: The colonial ascidian Aplidium tabarquense Ramos-Espla 1991 was recorded in Montenegro during a monitory survey carried out by scuba divers on an underwater outfall of the wastewater discharge system in Traste Bay. Several colonies were present on artificial substrata at a depth of 27 m. This is the first record of the species in the South Adriatic Sea. Further observations are recommended both to delineate the effective distribution and population density of A. tabarquense in the Mediterranean Sea and to widen the knowledge on ascidian diversity along Montenegro's coasts.

Keywords: Aplidium tabarquense, Tunicata, ascidian, new record, Montenegro, Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean

Full Text: PDF