Fauna of the Ligurian Sea

The Ligurian Sea is home to fish, molluscs and animals that are found in other parts of the Mediterranean Sea. It is rich in phytoplankton and has a high concentration of chlorophyll.

Common fish in the Ligurian Sea

The most common families in the Ligurian sea are: trachurus, tunas, gobiidae, mugilidae, scombridae. In particular, we can highlight fish such as Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Greater Amberjack, Slender Grouper, European Seabass, Gilt-head Bream, Turbot, Mullet, Mediterranean Horse Mackerel, Swordfish, Umbrina cirrosa, Argyrosomus regius, Red Porgy, Common Dentex, which are the objects of recreational fishing.

What sharks can be found in the Ligurian Sea?

The Ligurian Sea is too warm for predators such as sharks, so they are not found here.

Invertebrates of the Ligurian Sea

The Ligurian Sea is home to octopus, shrimp, squid, lobsters, jellyfish, oysters, and crayfish. There are many mussel, oyster and other shellfish farms. 

Mammals of the Ligurian Sea

The Ligurian Sea is home to a wide variety of cetaceans. It is considered to be the main feeding ground for fin whales in the Mediterranean. Bottlenose dolphins, Risso's dolphins and beaked whales can also be seen. The Cetacean Sanctuary regularly hosts 8 species of whales and dolphins: Striped dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, Cuvier's beaked whale, Risso's dolphin, long-finned pilot whale, sperm whale, fin whale and Mediterranean monk seal.

Unusual inhabitants of the Ligurian Sea

The loggerhead turtle can be observed in the Ligurian Sea. The presence of manta rays, which were practically absent a few years ago, has increased.