On the occurrence of mantis shrimp Erugosquilla massavensis (Crustacea: Squillidae) in the Tunisian waters (central Mediterranean)

Surveys recently conducted throughout the Tunisian coast allow to record, for the first time, the indo pacific mantis shrimp Erugosquilla massavensis (Kossmann, 1880) in the area. Of the 11 specimens observed, 8 were collected in the Gulf of Gabes and 3 in Tunis Southern Lagoon. These new records point out an extension range of the species in the Mediterranean Sea, which could be explained by the pelagic life of larvae which enhances its expansion throughout the Mediterranean Sea. However, global warming and increasing of shipping traffic cannot be totally ruled out. Additionally these new Tunisian findings do not constitute a sufficient support to state that a sustainable population is at present established in the area.