Fauna of the Alboran Sea

The Alboran Sea is a transitional zone between ocean and sea, containing a mixture of Mediterranean and Atlantic species. 

Common fish of the Alboran Sea

It is estimated that there are around 300 species of fish in the Alboran Sea. Commercial fish include barracuda, hake, mullet, ocean sunfish, engraulis, monkfish, sardine and swordfish. Unusual Flying fishes are common in Alboran. 

Invertebrates of the Alboran Sea

Invertebrates from the Alboran Sea include Nephrops norvegicus and Halocaridina rubra. 

Molluscs of the Alboran Sea

Squid and mussels are abundant in Alboran, as well as a mysterious scallop called "Zamburiña".

Alboran Sea Sharks

About 20 species of sharks have been recorded here, including the Squalidae and the school shark. 

Mammals of the Alboran Sea

The Alboran Sea is characterised by a high diversity of cetaceans, including important species such as the sperm whale, orca, pilot whale, minke whale, fin whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, common dolphin, striped dolphin and Risso's dolphin. Alboran is home to the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in Europe. It is also home to the only surviving population of harbour porpoises in the western Mediterranean.

Reptiles of the Alboran Sea

The Alboran Sea is an important feeding ground for the loggerhead sea turtle in Europe.