First record of the yellowbar angelfish Pomacanthus maculosus (Forsskål, 1775) (Actinopterygii: Pomacanthidae) in the Hellenic Seas

Abstract

The present study reports the first confirmed occurrence of the yellowbar angelfish Pomacanthus maculosus (Forsskål, 1775) in Hellenic waters, extending the known Mediterranean distribution of this West Indian Ocean species. A single adult specimen was collected by spearfishing on 15 October 2025 from shallow coastal waters off southern Crete. Identification was based on distinctive coloration patterns, morphological characteristics, and meristic counts. The habitat consisted of steep rocky substrates adjacent to sandy plains, aligning with the known ecological preferences of the species. Possible introduction pathways are examined, with aquarium release or escape and natural westward range expansion from established Levantine populations considered as non-exclusive scenarios. This record bridges an apparent distributional gap between eastern and central Mediterranean records, which may partly reflect limited detectability due to the species’ cryptic habits rather than true absence. The finding underscores the importance of Crete as a strategic monitoring area for detecting the arrival and potential spread of marine non-indigenous species within Hellenic waters. Continued surveillance is essential to assess establishment and potential ecological implications.