Contribution a l’inventaire des ascidies (Chordata: ascidiacea) du parc marin de Zembra-Zembretta (nord Tunisie)

Abstract

A systematic study of the ascidians of the marine Park of Zembra-Zembretta was carried out. Samples were taken by Scuba diving from rocky substratum and Posidonia beds, and by dredging in the case of a soft substratum. The depth varied between 14 and 70m. In total, 20 species were listed belonging to 6 families (Polyclinidae, Polycitoridae, Didemnidae, Diazonidae, Pyuridae and Molgulidae). The results show that colonial forms (85%) dominated solitary ascidians, and three species were listed for the first time in Tunisia, Synoicum cf. duboscqui, Didemnum granulosum and Didemnum Coriaceum. A check list of the ascidians species known to date from the marine park of Zembra-Zembretta is done, it contains 38 species.