First ever Welsh sighting for rare fish
Post categories: fish
| 13:52 UK time, Friday, 22 October 2010
A fish species, never seen before in Welsh waters, has been spotted and photographed by marine scientist Paul Kay:
Pipe fish. Photo: Paul Kay
It is thought to be shore or black-striped pipefish (Syngnathus abaster) which has previously only been seen as far north as the Southern Biscay in the Atlantic.
Dr Mandy McMath, Senior Marine Ecologist for the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) said: "Some species, if recorded routinely, could reveal important information on climate change and seasonal migrations. The sighting of more southerly species in Welsh waters indicates a possible rise in sea temperatures."
Paul Kay, co-author of the Marine Fishes of Wales said: "It would be great if rock poolers, divers, anglers, fishermen or just anyone interested in identifying fish would go to to report any unusual sightings. There are gaps in our information about endangered species so all information will help us build up a better picture of fish species in Welsh waters."
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