First record of the acanthurid ish Zebrasoma xanthurum (Blyth, 1852) in the Mediterranean Sea, with some considerations on the risk associated with the aquarium trade

The occurrence of a single individual of yellowtail tang Zebrasoma xanthurum (Acanthuridae) from Sardinia island (Italy), probably released from an aquarium, is reported. This observation represents the first record of this species in the Mediterranean Sea. General information on the Acanthurid fishes and other non-native species in the Mediterranean is discussed in the light of the ongoing ecological change taking place on rocky reef ecosystems with consideration of implications on the aquarium trade.