First Record of Pseudotolithus senegallus (Cuvier, 1830) in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

This article firstly records Pseudotolithus senegallus (Cuvier, 1830) species in the Mediterranean Sea. juvenile specimen of Pseudotolithus senegallus (Cuvier, 1830) with total length 15.5 cm and total weight 37 g, was obtained by experimental bottom trawling using commercial bottom trawler (stretched mesh size: 15 mm; duration time: four hours; location: east of Suez Canal main stream in the Mediterranean, off Port Said). Opercle lining jet black, showing through a dark blotch externally. Axils of pectoral-fin base dark, distal portion of caudal fin darkish whereas anal and pelvic fins are yellowish. Gas bladder with a pair of arborescent appendages, dividing into short anterior branches and a dozen or so long tubular posterior appendages along sides of bladder beyond its tip. I suggest the method of introduction to the Mediterranean waters is ballast water of ships as it is recorded only from Mauritania to Angola on the western coast of Africa.