First record of epizoic algae Polysiphonia carettia Hollenberg, on loggerhead sea turtles in the Gulf of Gabès (Central Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

Abstract This is the first record of the red alga Polysiphonia carettia Hollenberg (Rhodomeleaceae) in the Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia (Mediterranean Sea). This species was first described growing on the carapace of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta (L.) from Santa Catalina Island, California, USA. In the Mediterranean, it was reported only from two loggerhead turtles captured by a Spanish longline vessel. The morphology, habitat and geographical distribution of P. carettia were examined.