First record of the Gracile lizardfish Saurida gracilis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) in Mediterranean waters

Abstract

In January 2021 during a scientific survey to assess the economic impacts of a Mass Mortality Event, a single individual of the Gracile lizardfish Saurida gracilis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) was caught out of Korbous (Northern Tunisia). This observation, confirmed by genetic analysis, provides evidence on the occurrence of a new non-indigenous species in Mediterranean waters. The relevance of this finding for the current monitoring strategies implemented at the regional level are briefly raised and discussed.