DOI: 10.2478/cjf-2026-0009
Original scientific paper
New distributional records of the endemic Moroccan blenny Salariopsis atlantica Doadrio, Perea & Yahyaoui, 2011 (Actinopterygii: Blenniidae), an endangered freshwater species
2026, 84 (2) p. 91-98
Soufyane El Caidi, Fouzi Taybi, Youness Mabrouki
Abstract
Morocco is distinguished by its remarkable diversity of freshwater fish species. This diversity is characterised by a high level of endemism, which is largely attributable to the nation's unique geographical location and the complexity of its hydrographic network. Salariopsis atlantica Doadrio, Perea & Yahyaoui, 2011 is an endangered (EN) Moroccan endemic species, historically confined to the Sebou basin, where it is only known from a few localities. This study reports new populations of the Moroccan blenny further upstream on the Ouargha River, notably at Ghdir Hamma, as well as downstream from the Asfalou reservoir. This expands the species' known range, which is key to promoting its conservation. These newly discovered populations are evolving in habitats heavily impacted by increasing anthropogenic pressures and invasive alien species. This highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies integrating local threat management, habitat restoration, and exotic species control to ensure the sustainability of this rare and elusive species.
Keywords
Rare fish species, Moroccan Endemism, Sebou Basin, Invasive species, freshwater fish, Conservation
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