Banchi di Marettimo

The Marettino Banks site is characterized by shallow rocky seabeds which is colonized by Acanthogorgia hirsuta and other gorgonians. It hosts an extensive forest of black corals. The seabeds show a rich biodiversity, with an abundance of diversified fish fauna: the boarfish, red scorpionfish, John Dory, Haifa grouper, small-spotted catshark and the bluntnose sixgill shark. There are also numerous shrimp species (Plesionika sp.). Overall, the site is significant for the presence of black corals and the richness of its fish fauna.