Fauna of the Adriatic Sea

The plant and animal life of the Adriatic Sea is quite rich. There are 45 subspecies endemic to the Adriatic coast and islands. There are at least 410 species and subspecies of fish in the Adriatic, which is about 70% of the Mediterranean taxa, and 7 species are endemic to the Adriatic. More than 60 fish species are listed in the International Red Data Book (IUCN), mainly due to overfishing.

Invertebrates of the Adriatic Sea

In the coastal zone there are many species of snails and bivalves with thick, strong shells that protect them from the impact of the waves, as well as echinoderms and crustaceans. In shallow water live oysters, mytilus, limpets, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and small crabs. In slightly deeper water live large crustaceans - lobster, large crab, as well as octopus, cuttlefish, starfish.

Common fish in the Adriatic Sea

Many gregarious fish: sardine, scomber, scomberomorus, Atlantic bonito and tuna. The water column of the Adriatic is full of plankton and juvenile fish. Eels and muraenas swim here. Seahorses swim in thickets of algae. 

Jellyfish in the Adriatic Sea

Currents bring many delicate, transparent jellyfish and glowing hydrozoans to the Adriatic. 

Are there sharks in the Adriatic Sea?

Check. The most common sharks in the Adriatic are the pygmy shark, the spiny shark, the blue shark and the velvet belly lanternshark in deeper waters. The basking shark is very rare. 

Mammals of the Adriatic Sea

Among the mammals, the Adriatic is home to the common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin and the endangered monk seal.

Dangerous inhabitants of the Adriatic Sea

There are 4 species of the family Trachinidae in the Adriatic Sea, the most common being the greater and lesser weever. The spines of the first dorsal fin of the Trachinidae and the sharp spike on the gill cover are equipped with venom glands. Muraena, Batoidea and Hermodice carunculata are also dangerous to humans.