does symbiosis of invasive species become common phenomena for the mediterranean? cheilodipterus novemstriatus (rüppell, 1838) and diadema setosum (leske, 1778) is observed together in the gulf of iskenderun

Cheilodipterus novemstriatus (rüppell 1838), is native to the indo-pacific region. these species can be found mostly around the spines of diadema setosum (leske 1778) between 0-40 m in depth. during a scientific diving survey in the gulf of iskenderun, a shoal of c. novemstriatus was sighted around a d. setosum. some photographs of the fish and sea urchins were taken. this is the second study that reports these two species in a symbiotic relationship in turkish waters. also, these records show that the mediterranean coasts are in a rapid tropicalization process, and the lessepsian species quickly adapt to the mediterranean.