Discovery of new sites of topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) in Algeria

Tababouchet, Meriem; Benaissa, Mohammed Hocine; Karar, Mokrane; Bougaham, Abdelazize Franck

Journal Algérien des Régions Arides
Volume 18, Numéro 1, Pages 48-56
2025-03-05

Discovery Of New Sites Of Topmouth Gudgeon Pseudorasbora Parva (temminck & Schlegel, 1846) In Algeria

Authors : Tababouchet Meriem . Benaissa Mohammed Hocine . Karar Mokrane . Bougaham Abdelazize Franck .

Abstract

The Topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva exhibits a remarkable capacity for expansion to spread outside of its current habitats and territories, across all continents, threatening the existence of native species. The species was recorded for the first time in 1992 in North-east Algeria; therefore, assessing its distribution in the country is necessary. This study is conducted in Algeria during the period from February 2023 to May 2024. The current study's objective is to explore historical sites and thus search for possible new localities of the species. Our study revealed the discovery of four new localities in Algeria for the species, in Oued Djendjen (Jijel), Aissi stream (Tizi Ouzou), Oued Z’hor (Skikda) and Cheliff River (Mostaganem) which the latter is the most important hydrographic basin in Algeria. This is the first time this species has been reported in these regions, indicating a notable expansion of its range to the northwest. Consequently, further studies on its ecology in these newly colonized areas are urgently recommended in order to control the invasion of this species and its impact on Algerian indigenous species.