Polychaete diversity in Tunisian waters as of 2021: an update with special emphasis on Non-Indigenous species

Abstract

The last inventory of Tunisian polychaetes diversity by Ayari et al. (2009) is updated. New records were acquired from the literature and from the current study concerning species collected in the tidal channels of the Gulf of Gabès (2016-2017) and the re-examination of some species deposited in the collection of the Tunisian National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies. This inventory, reviewing the taxonomy, nomenclature, and biogeographic distribution of the Tunisian polychaetes, includes 390 species belonging to 52 families, among which the Serpulidae (41 species) and Syllidae (36 species) are the most diverse. In total, 37 species previously reported are currently removed from the Tunisian polychaetes list. An additional 121 new species are added, including 23 species collected in the tidal channels and 6 species in the reference collection previously misidentified as their congeners. Morphological differences between the latter are briefly discussed and figured. Among these species, Laonice bahusiensis, Laonice norgensis, and Scolelepis neglecta are extending their Mediterranean distribution, while Sternaspis thalassemoides and Caulleriella mediterranea are probably reported for the first time after their original description. In addition, this current inventory allows us to discuss the establishment status of 17 Non-Indigenous polychaete species (14 established, 1 casual, and 2 cryptogenic) found in Tunisian waters.

Polychaetes (Annelida) of Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean Sea): An Updated and Annotated Checklist including New Distribution Records

“…A relevant hurdle is represented by the fixed nature of published checklists. By definition, all annelid checklists compiled so far [35][36][37][38][39][40][41], this one included, are unmodifiable scientific literature, and, as such, need regular updates with the increase in studies expanding the knowledge about the distribution and diversity of marine annelids. A possible alternative might entail the compilation of online checklists, associated with publicly available databases, which might be readily modified with the increase in knowledge.…”

“…At present, comprehensive checklists are available for relatively few Mediterranean areas, mostly corresponding to national waters and/or administrative regions. In particular, national checklists are available for Italy [35], Türkiye [36], Greece [37], Algeria [38], and Tunisia [39,40]. A considerably less frequent approach in the compilation of checklists entails focusing on biogeographic sectors.…”