Records of elasmobranch species from the Kerkennah archipelago in Tunisia (Central Mediterranean)

Abstract

This work is the first contribution to study the diversity of elasmobranchs in the Kerkennah islands (Gulf of Gabès, Southern Tunisia). Here we report on elasmobranches’ species examined during fish landing surveys conducted from March to August 2019. Records of seventeen species from the archipelago, including 5 sharks and 12 batoids, are presented. This number represents 35.41% of the species of elasmobranchs reported in the Gulf of Gabès, which is equal to 48 species. Among these species, some are seen regularly while others rarely. In addition, the sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus was the most landed species. Information on elasmobranchs diversity from this region is of concern and accurate species identification is crucial to provide information on management measures.