Teos Nature - Marine Life

Fish of the Aegean Sea

The clear waters off the coast of Teos are home to a rich variety of fish species, from brightly colored reef dwellers to large open-water predators. Among them are sea bass, a group of fish known for their vivid patterns and shapes, as well as popular commercial species such as dorado, tuna, mackerel, and European sea bass.

These fish play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem: some feed on algae and small organisms, while others are predators that help regulate the populations of other species. Thanks to this diversity, the waters near Teos attract not only professional and recreational fishers but also divers eager to explore the richness of the underwater world.

Preserving the cleanliness and health of Teos’s marine environment is key to ensuring that this unique sea life continues to thrive for future generations.

Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) — a common fish species in the Mediterranean Sea and coastal waters around Teos.

It has a streamlined, silvery body with a flat head and thick lips. Mullets are typically found in shallow, coastal areas, estuaries, and lagoons. They feed on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates by sifting through sand and mud. Known for their strong swimming abilities and leaping from the water, they often move in schools. This species is important both ecologically and economically, being a valued target for local fisheries.

Comber (Serranus cabrilla) — a brightly colored marine fish commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea, including the coastal waters near Teos.

It has an elongated body with reddish-brown coloring and light vertical stripes along its sides. Typically inhabiting rocky or sandy seabeds at depths of up to 200 meters, the comber is a diurnal predator that feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is a solitary and territorial species, valued in recreational fishing. As a mid-level predator, it plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.

European barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) — a slender, fast-swimming predatory fish found in the Mediterranean Sea and along the Aegean coast.

It has a long, torpedo-shaped body with a silvery sheen and a pointed head with sharp teeth. European barracudas often swim in schools and hunt near the surface or around reefs, feeding on smaller fish and squid. Known for their speed and agility, they are important open-water predators. While not dangerous to humans, their impressive appearance and behavior make them a notable sight for divers and fishers alike.

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) — a large flatfish found in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, including the Aegean coast.

It has a broad, rounded, and strongly flattened body with both eyes on the left side. Its coloration ranges from sandy to brownish-grey with darker spots, helping it blend into the seafloor. Turbot prefers sandy or muddy bottoms at depths of 20 to 70 meters. It is a bottom-dwelling predator, feeding on small fish, shrimp, and mollusks. Highly valued for its delicate, flavorful meat, turbot is an important species in both commercial and gourmet cuisine.

Yellowmouth barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) — a slender predatory fish found in warm seas, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, especially around the Aegean coast.

It has a long, silvery body with a distinctive yellowish tint around the jaws, which gives the species its name. This barracuda often hunts in schools, preying on small fish and cephalopods. Known for its speed and sudden strikes, it is a fast and agile predator. Despite its fierce appearance, it poses no threat to humans. It is popular among sport fishers and admired by divers.

Common two-banded sea bream (Diplodus vulgaris) — a marine fish from the seabream family, widely found in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

It has an oval, laterally compressed silver body with two distinctive black bands: one behind the head and one at the base of the tail. It prefers shallow coastal waters with rocky or sandy bottoms and is often found among seaweed. This peaceful, schooling fish feeds on small invertebrates, mollusks, and algae. It is highly valued for its tasty flesh and is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. Popular in both recreational and commercial fishing.

Large-scaled scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) — a brightly colored marine fish from the scorpionfish family, found in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

It has a robust body with a large, bony head adorned with skin flaps and venomous spines on its fins. Its coloration ranges from reddish-orange to brown with mottled patterns, providing excellent camouflage against rocky or muddy seabeds. A bottom-dwelling predator, it feeds on small fish and invertebrates. Its spines contain venomous mucus that can cause pain and swelling in humans if touched. Despite this, the scorpionfish is highly valued in Mediterranean cuisine for its rich, flavorful meat.

East Atlantic peacock wrasse (Symphodus tinca) — a small wrasse species commonly found in the coastal waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

It has an oval, laterally compressed body with greenish to brownish coloring and distinct dark vertical stripes, resembling a zebra pattern. Preferring shallow areas with seaweed and rocks, it is active during the day and feeds on small invertebrates, mollusks, and crustaceans. This wrasse is territorial and curious, often seen by divers in reef and coastal habitats.

Tuna (Thunnus spp.) — a large, fast-swimming marine fish found in open waters, including the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

It has a streamlined, muscular body with a dark back and silvery sides. Known for its speed and endurance, tuna can travel long distances. It is a schooling predator that feeds on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. Tuna is a highly valuable commercial species, prized for its protein-rich, omega-3-rich meat. Some tuna species are protected due to overfishing concerns.

Gilt-head bream (Sparus aurata) — a marine fish from the sea bream family, commonly found in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. It is also known as the "gilt-head" due to the distinctive golden stripe between its eyes.

The dorado has an oval, laterally compressed, silvery body and typically inhabits shallow coastal waters with sandy or rocky bottoms. It feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Highly valued for its tender, flavorful flesh, gilt-head bream is popular in both commercial fishing and aquaculture, and is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine.

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) — one of the most popular fish species in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

It has an elongated, silver-grey body with strong fins and thrives in both brackish and marine waters, often found near coasts, river mouths, and lagoons. A skilled predator, sea bass feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Highly valued for its tender, flavorful meat, it is widely used in cuisine and aquaculture. Its adaptability and nutritional value make it a key species in coastal fisheries.

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) — a marine pelagic fish from the mackerel family, commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, including the Aegean coast.

It has a streamlined body with a distinctive dark, wavy-striped back and silvery sides. Mackerel is a fast swimmer and forms large schools. It feeds on plankton, small fish, and crustaceans. Highly valued in fisheries, it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has a strong, flavorful taste. Mackerel is widely used in cooking — fresh, smoked, or canned.

Mollusks are a diverse group of marine animals with soft bodies, often protected by a hard shell. In the coastal zone of Teos, both bivalve and gastropod mollusks can be found. They play an important role in the marine ecosystem — filtering water, serving as food for fish and sea stars, and contributing to the formation of the seafloor landscape.

Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) — one of the most well-known cephalopod mollusks found in the coastal waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

It has a soft body, eight flexible arms with suction cups, and remarkable camouflage abilities. It can quickly change the color and texture of its skin to blend in with its surroundings. The octopus leads a solitary, bottom-dwelling lifestyle, hiding in crevices, under rocks, or in burrows. Mostly active at night, it feeds on crabs, mollusks, and small fish. Known for its high intelligence, it can solve problems, open shells, and even use objects as tools. Harmless to humans, though it can release an ink cloud to escape threats.

Squid (Loligo vulgaris) — a cephalopod mollusk found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas.

It has an elongated, torpedo-shaped body with two long tentacles and eight shorter arms, all covered in suction cups. Squid have side fins that help with maneuvering. They are active swimmers, propelling themselves by expelling jets of water, and can quickly change color to blend in or communicate. Mostly nocturnal, squid hunt fish, crustaceans, and other mollusks. They play an important role in the marine food chain and are also valued in fisheries for their tender, flavorful meat.

Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) — bivalve mollusks commonly found in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, especially in coastal areas with rocky seabeds.

Mussels have an oval, slightly elongated shell that is dark blue to almost black in color. They live in colonies, attaching themselves to rocks, piers, and underwater structures using strong byssal threads. As filter feeders, they purify seawater by removing microscopic particles and plankton. Mussels play an important ecological role and are widely consumed as food due to their high content of protein, vitamins, and trace minerals.

Scallop (Pecten jacobaeus) — a marine bivalve mollusk found in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, most commonly on sandy or muddy seabeds at depths of up to 100 meters.

Its shell is large, fan-shaped, with radiating ribs, and usually pinkish-orange or creamy in color. The scallop can move actively by clapping its valves together, allowing it to "jump" along the seafloor. It filters water to feed on microscopic organisms. Along the edge of its mantle are small blue “eyes” that detect light and movement. Scallops are prized for their tender, slightly sweet meat and are considered a culinary delicacy.

Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea) — a small marine snail from the Littorinidae family, commonly found in the coastal zone on rocks, stones, and among seaweeds.

It has a sturdy, spiral-shaped shell that ranges in color from brownish and gray to dark green, typically measuring about 2–3 cm in length. Well adapted to tidal changes, it can live both underwater and in moist environments exposed to air. The periwinkle feeds on microalgae, scraping them off surfaces with its radula — a tongue-like organ covered in tiny teeth. It plays an important ecological role as a grazer and is also used in cuisine in some parts of Europe.

Date Mussel (Lithophaga lithophaga) — a bivalve mollusk from the mussel family.

It lives inside limestone rocks, boring a burrow for itself. Often found in coastal cliffs, it remains hidden from view.

Its meat is highly valued in Mediterranean cuisine, but harvesting is banned or restricted in many countries because extraction damages the rocks and harms the marine ecosystem.

Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) — has an oval, flattened body with ten arms, two of which are long, specialized tentacles used for catching prey. Its body is bordered by a fin that runs along the sides.

It has an internal calcareous shell called a cuttlebone, which helps it maintain buoyancy. The cuttlefish can rapidly change its body color and patterns — from light to dark — thanks to pigment cells called chromatophores.

Highly intelligent and equipped with excellent vision, it can release an ink cloud to confuse predators when threatened.

Abalone (Haliotis spp.) — a genus of marine gastropod mollusks known for their beautiful, iridescent shells.

The abalone has a flattened shell with an asymmetrical spiral and a row of holes along one edge, used for breathing and waste expulsion. The inner surface of the shell displays vibrant, shimmering nacre (mother-of-pearl), which is often used in jewelry.

The mollusk attaches firmly to rocks with a strong muscular foot and feeds on algae. Some species are protected due to overharvesting and declining populations.

European Flat Oyster (Ostrea edulis) — a marine bivalve mollusk from the oyster family, found in the coastal waters of Europe, including the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

The oyster has a rough, asymmetrical shell that is round or oval in shape, with one flat valve and one convex. It lives attached to rocks or other hard surfaces. As a filter feeder, it cleans seawater by consuming microscopic plankton.

Oysters are prized as a delicacy and can be eaten raw or cooked. They also play an important ecological role by purifying the water and providing shelter for other marine organisms. While they can produce small “pearls,” these are of little commercial value.

Limpets (Patella spp.) — marine mollusks with cone-shaped shells resembling small caps.

Limpets live on coastal rocks and stones, clinging tightly with their strong muscular foot. Their rounded, cap-like shell protects them from waves and predators.

They feed on microalgae by scraping it off rock surfaces. Commonly found in the intertidal zone, limpets are harmless, but it's best not to disturb them — they play an important role in the ecosystem.

Banded Dye-Murex (Hexaplex trunculus) — a marine gastropod mollusk from the murex family.

It has a sturdy, spiraled shell covered in spines, usually brownish or grayish in color with a rough surface. The murex lives on the seafloor, burrowing into sand or hiding among rocks. It preys on other mollusks, drilling through their shells using its radula — a toothed, tongue-like organ.

Interesting fact: in ancient times, this mollusk was used to produce purple dye — one of the most valuable and prestigious colors in the ancient world.

Veined Rapa Whelk (Rapana venosa) — a large predatory marine mollusk from the volute family.

It has a heavy, spiraled shell with thick walls and a wide opening. The shell’s color ranges from yellowish-brown to gray, often with mottled patterns.

The rapa whelk lives on the sea floor, burrowing into sand or hiding among rocks. It feeds on mussels and other bivalves by dissolving their shells and consuming the soft tissue inside.

Rapana venosa is considered an invasive species in some regions due to its negative impact on native mollusk populations. However, its meat is edible and enjoyed in several countries.

Crustaceans of Teos

Crustaceans clean the seafloor, process organic matter, and create shelters for other marine animals. They are a vital link in the food chain and an essential part of the marine ecosystem's balance. Their remarkable behavior, ability to regenerate, and diversity of forms make them some of the most fascinating inhabitants of Teos.

Crabs (Carcinus spp., Eriphia verrucosa) — With powerful claws and a sideways gait, they skillfully hide under rocks and vanish in an instant when approached. Some are aggressive hunters, while others are modest scavengers.

Shrimps — Transparent, agile, and incredibly important for the ecosystem. They clean corals, algae, and even other fish.

Hermit Crab — An unusual traveler that uses a borrowed shell instead of growing its own. As it grows, it moves into larger “homes” to fit its size.

Other Inhabitants of the Underwater World of Teos

In addition to fish and mollusks, the underwater landscape of Teos is home to fascinating creatures that make the seafloor vibrant, lively, and sometimes mysterious. They may not always be mobile, but they play a crucial role in the ecosystem — decorating, cleansing, nourishing, and inspiring.

These creatures rarely take center stage, but they are the ones who turn the seabed of Teos into a true living tapestry — colorful, intricate, and balanced.

Sea Anemones and Sponges

Like underwater flowers, anemones sway gently in the water, extending their tentacles to catch small prey. Sponges are filter feeders that color the rocks in a variety of shades — from soft pink to deep orange. They provide shelter for small fish and crustaceans.

Sea Urchins

With spines like a hedgehog, these slow-moving but essential creatures are well protected. They crawl along rocky seabeds, grazing on algae and cleaning the surface. Some species are colored deep purple or black, while others are nearly transparent.

Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita and others)

Semi-transparent, almost weightless creatures that appear more often as summer approaches. Jellyfish drift gently through the water, shimmering in the sunlight. Some are harmless, while others can sting — but all of them are mesmerizing.

Sea Stars

From bright red to sandy beige, sea stars decorate the ocean floor. These fascinating creatures can regenerate lost arms and feed on small animals and organic matter. They move slowly but are remarkably resilient, thriving in a wide range of conditions.

Nature of Teos

Flora of Teos

Birds & Land Animals

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