Presence of the alien species Godiva quadricolor (Barnard, 1927) (Gastropoda Nudibranchia Facelinidae) along the coast of eastern Sicily

This work explores the second report of the alien nudibranch Godiva quadricolor (Barnard, 1927) (Gastropoda Nudibranchia Facelinidae) in eastern Sicily (Italy). Previously, this species has been found only in the area of Faro Lake (Messina), where now there is a significant population. The specimen here reported was sighted while diving in Santa Maria La Scala (Acireale, Catania) near a fresh water source. In fact, as it has been claimed by other authors, there is a strong correlation between this species and the brackish water areas. This work argues that this specimen has been brought to this area either by the Strait of Messina currents or by fishing boats, which dock at a small port in the study area. Since this is a species which easily adapts to different environmental conditions and feeds on other nudibranchs, G. quadricolor propagation could be a great threat to indigenous biodiversity