First substantiated record of Gadella maraldi (Moridae) from the Algerian coast (Southern Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

Four specimens of Gadella maraldi (Risso, 1810) were collected from the Algerian coast, they ranged from 104 to 145 mm in total length, and their total body weight from 5.6 to 17.9 g. These captures constitute rare records of the species from the Algerian coast and confirm its occurrence in the area, where it was previously considered as doubtful. A single specimen is described including morphological measurements, meristic counts and colour. However, due to a lack of records, the real status of the species in the Algerian waters still remains questionable.