Ficopomatus enigmaticus

SCHWINDT E

The invasive Species Compendia

CABI

Año: 2009; p. 1 - 29

Ficopomatus enigmaticus is an ecosystem engineer invasive brackish water serpulid polychaete that builds calcareous aggregates in estuarine and coastal environments within subtropical/temperate areas throughout the world. It was described for the first time as exotic in France in 1923 and soon after that, it was recorded in other several European countries, Australia, USA, Uruguay, Australia and Tunisia, being the last record of this species found in Ireland and in Croatia in 2006. The native area of origin is unknown. The hypothesis of an Australasian origin is currently the most accepted but most scientists agree that it still needs further evaluation. The most important dispersion worldwide is likely to occur as hull fouling and/or in ballast water in large vessels. For Europe, is listed as one of the 100 worst invasive species but so far, there are not unified strategies for its control or management. This species has a fast growth rate, high tolerance to variable environmental conditions, and it is causing important ecological impacts in several regions by modifying the ecological and the physical processes of the ecosystems. In some locations, the economic impact is very important due to the prolific growth that can cause blocking the thermal effluents and foul aquaculture ponds and leisure crafts.