Note on Gambusia genus (Cypriodontiformes: Poecillidae) in oasis and arid regions of Tunisia

Marwa Ghouil; Hmed Ben Nasr; Hafsia Bouzenna; Ramzi Amari; Najla Hfaiedh; Ali Mekki

doi:10.56027/JOASD.132025

Authors

Marwa Ghouil Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Tunisia
Hmed Ben Nasr Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Tunisia
Hafsia Bouzenna Laboratory of Biotechnology and Biomonitoring of the Environment and Oasis Ecosystems (LBBEEO), Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Tunisia
Ramzi Amari Laboratory of Biotechnology and Biomonitoring of the Environment and Oasis Ecosystems (LBBEEO), Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Tunisia
Najla Hfaiedh Laboratory of Biotechnology and Biomonitoring of the Environment and Oasis Ecosystems (LBBEEO), Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Tunisia
Ali Mekki Laboratory of Environmental Bioprocesses, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, AUF (PER-LBP), BP: 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56027/JOASD.132025

Keywords:

Gambusia affinis, G. Holbrooki, Oasis, Arid regions, Tunisia

Abstract

The Gambusia genus gathers about 45 species of small fishes colonizing freshwater. Since the earliest 20th century, it gained great interest in counteracting infections transmitted by mosquito flies. This paper reappraises the biology of species of Gambusia inhabiting oases and arid regions in Tunisia. Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki are two species encountered in southern Tunisia. Previous studies revealed their efficacy in eradicating many infectious diseases including malaria, but their biology and interest in oasian and semi-arid ecosystems are scarcely studied. Thus, deep investigations are envisaged to better understand the interest of these species in arid regions.

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