Sudden appearance of rare fish in the Mediterranean has scientists fearing the worst

Marine wildlife is not spared from climate change. In the north of Cap de Creus, along the Catalan coast, a colourful fish has suddenly appeared. 

It was once extremely rare to encounter it in this region: the ornate wrasse, also known as "fadrí", has now been identified in this part of the Mediterranean, according to the Catalan news agency ACN. Nowadays, it's increasingly common to spot it along the Catalan coast. 

Even the locals are surprised to have discovered this creature in their waters. "The fadrí is such an uncommon fish that, if you talk to the elders of Port de la Selva, many will not even know which fish it is. Barely fifteen years ago, you couldn’t find a single one here. Its presence was exceptional," explains biologist Eduard Marquès.

A possible invasion? 

This expansion is not at all viewed favourably by scientists. According to L’Indépendant, the arrival of the fadrí in this area is happening at the expense of other marine species, with which it competes for food and space. While biologists admit that other environmental factors may also be at play, they fear a lasting imbalance in the marine ecosystem in this part of the Catalan coast. However alarming this development may be, it's the result of a major climate displacement, not, in this case, an invasion. 

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: L’Indépendant - Illustration: ©Unsplash)