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<p>Ascidians are marine organisms presenting one of the most ecologically impactful groups of non-indigenous species worldwide. Despite their significance, the diversity and distribution of both native and non-indigenous ascidians in Tunisia remain poorly documented. This study aims to identify ascidian species collected from five localities in northern Tunisia (three surveyed for the first time), beginning in 2020, in order to improve knowledge of their biodiversity, geographic distribution, and potential non-indigenous status, thereby enhancing our understanding of the Tunisian ascidian fauna. Rapid assessment survey (RAS) was employed to conduct qualitative screening of ascidian species.Specimens were collected manually and with scalpel blades from rocks and boat ropes at depths of up to 1.5&#xa0;m. In total, 25 species from nine families (Polyclinidae, Polycitoridae, Didemnidiae, Pseudodistomidae, Cionidae, Clavelinidae, Ascidiidae, Styelidae, and Pyuridae) were identified. Notably, we reported for the first time in Tunisia three non-indigenous species: <i>Polyclinum constellatum</i>, <i>Aplidium</i> cf. <i>accarense</i>, and <i>Polyandrocarpa zorritensis</i>. Furthermore, <i>Ciona robusta</i> was reported for the first time in the Bizerte region along with a new locality record for <i>Symplegma brakenhielmi</i> (Sidi Bousaid port). Results show La Goulette and Ghar el Melh ports as invasion hotspots, showing higher non-indigenous ascidian richness compared to other sites. These findings highlight commercial ports as key introduction pathways for ascidian invasions in northern Tunisia. This study updates the current knowledge of the ascidian fauna in Tunisia by investigating new localities, although further taxonomic and molecular research is needed to fully understand their distribution and ecological impacts.</p>

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Rapid assessment investigation of ascidian species in five localities in the north of Tunisia: new record of three non-indigenous species Polyclinum constellatum Savigny, 1816, Aplidium cf. accarense (Millar, 1953), and Polyandrocarpa zorritensis (Van Name, 1931)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月12日

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  • Safa Melki,
  • Raja Ben Ahmed,
  • Mehrez Gammoudi,
  • Atf Azzouna

摘要

Ascidians are marine organisms presenting one of the most ecologically impactful groups of non-indigenous species worldwide. Despite their significance, the diversity and distribution of both native and non-indigenous ascidians in Tunisia remain poorly documented. This study aims to identify ascidian species collected from five localities in northern Tunisia (three surveyed for the first time), beginning in 2020, in order to improve knowledge of their biodiversity, geographic distribution, and potential non-indigenous status, thereby enhancing our understanding of the Tunisian ascidian fauna. Rapid assessment survey (RAS) was employed to conduct qualitative screening of ascidian species.Specimens were collected manually and with scalpel blades from rocks and boat ropes at depths of up to 1.5 m. In total, 25 species from nine families (Polyclinidae, Polycitoridae, Didemnidiae, Pseudodistomidae, Cionidae, Clavelinidae, Ascidiidae, Styelidae, and Pyuridae) were identified. Notably, we reported for the first time in Tunisia three non-indigenous species: Polyclinum constellatum, Aplidium cf. accarense, and Polyandrocarpa zorritensis. Furthermore, Ciona robusta was reported for the first time in the Bizerte region along with a new locality record for Symplegma brakenhielmi (Sidi Bousaid port). Results show La Goulette and Ghar el Melh ports as invasion hotspots, showing higher non-indigenous ascidian richness compared to other sites. These findings highlight commercial ports as key introduction pathways for ascidian invasions in northern Tunisia. This study updates the current knowledge of the ascidian fauna in Tunisia by investigating new localities, although further taxonomic and molecular research is needed to fully understand their distribution and ecological impacts.