First Record of Carapus acus (Osteichthyes: Carapidae) in the Gulf of Gabès (southern Tunisia, central Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

Background: One specimen of Carapus acus was captured in the Gulf of Gabès (southern Tunisia, central Mediterranean Sea), during an experimental bottom trawl survey in the frame of the monitoring of benthic fish stocks of the Tunisian coast. This represents the first record of the pearl fish in the area and a proof of the occurrence of this species in Tunisian coast. Results: The pearl fish caught measured 136.1 millimeters and it weighed 2.838 gram. It has been captured at the following coordinate 34°39'629"N; 12°45'795"E by 100 meters depth. Many Echinoderms were landed during this hauls but any Holoturoidea were observed. Conclusions: Carapus acus occurs in Tunisian water but others studies are necessary to confirm its abundance, the commensal or parasitic status usually attributed to the carapidae and to determine the host of this species in the Gulf of Gabès.