New inland sites for the Mediterranean killifish (Aphanius fasciatusValenciennes, 1821) in the Sahara Desert of Algeria

Abstract

Summary The current study aims to update the range of Aphanius fasciatus occurring in inland aquatic systems, and to characterise the length–weight relationship of specimens caught in inland waters of the Northern Sahara of Algeria. Although the known distribution of A. fasciatus is restricted to coastal waters including islands of the Mediterranean region, visits to 39 hydrosystems in Northeast Algeria revealed the presence of the species at two sites: Oued Still and Lake Temacine. Both sites are in the Sahara Desert of Algeria, where the climate is hot and hyperarid. The surveyed populations perform their entire life cycle at the same sites. Analysis of a sample composed of 27 individuals captured in Oued Still allowed determination of the length–weight relationship. On average, females measured 4.2 ± 0.6 cm in length and weighed 1.1 ± 0.5 g; males were 3.2 ± 0.6 cm and 0.5 ± 0.2 g. Growth parameters of the von Bertalanffy equation for A. fasciatus were estimated at Lt = 5.5145 (1−exp (−0.341(t−0.0049))), Wt = 2.6692 (1−exp (−0.271t))3.

The Rough Bent‐toed Gecko Cyrtopodion scabrum (Heyden, 1827) (Squamata: Gekkonidae): First records in Algeria and NW Africa with morphometric and meristic description of population

“…Nonetheless, many endemic species exist with diverse life forms having remarkable adaptations to hot arid conditions (Bradai, Bissati, Chenchouni, & Amrani, 2015;Bradai, Bouallala, et al, 2015). Most of these life forms are subservient to mesic man-made ecosystems 'oasis' composed mainly of date palm groves (Guezoul et al, 2013;Mihi, Tarai, & Chenchouni, 2019) or concentrated in wetland habitats (Bouallala, Neffar, & Chenchouni, 2020;Chaibi, Si Bachir, & Chenchouni, 2015;Chaibi et al, 2012;Chenchouni, 2012aChenchouni, , 2012b. Some desert species prefer urban areas which offer more suitable opportunities such as shelter, feeding resources and breeding sites (Chedad, Bendjoudi, Beladis, Guezoul, & Chenchouni, 2020;Mouane, Sekour, Harrouchi, Ghennoum, & Chenchouni, 2020).…”

Pushed to the edge: Environmental factors drive ecological responses of Aphanius fasciatus when in sympatry with invasive Gambusia holbrooki

“…The species is distributed in the coastal habitats of the Mediterranean countries (central eastern region), with the exception of the westernmost and easternmost parts of the region, where it is replaced by A. iberus and Aphanius dispar respectively. More recently, it has also been found in inland ponds of the Sahara Desert in Algeria (Chaibi, Si Bachir & Chenchouni, 2015). In Italy, although some populations are recovering, the species has a fragmented distribution and is important for conservation owing to its documented decline in recent years (Valdesalici et al, 2015).…”

“…The killifish (order Cyprinodontiformes) is a small fish, endemic to the central eastern Mediterranean (Bianco, 1995;Cavraro et al, 2011). It it has also been found in inland ponds of the Sahara Desert in Algeria (Chaibi, Si Bachir & Chenchouni, 2015). In Italy, although some populations are recovering, the species has a fragmented distribution and is important for conservation owing to its documented decline in recent years (Valdesalici et al, 2015).…”