Expansion of the Geographic Range of Decapterus kurroides: A New Record From the Egyptian Red Sea

Osman, Yassein; Fricke, Ronald; Samy-Kamal, Mohamed; Desouky, Mohammed

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.419172

Expansion of the Geographic Range of Decapterus kurroides: A New Record From the Egyptian Red Sea

Authors

10.21608/ejabf.2025.419172

Abstract

The continuous updating of geographic range expansion for non-native species and their characteristics is essential for conserving marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Members of the family Carangidae (commonly known as Jacks and Pompanos), which are critically important components of the Egyptian Red Sea fisheries, are primarily exploited by purse-seine fisheries, although a portion of the catch comes from trawling and hook-and-line fishing. This family comprises 39 genera and 152 species, with approximately 38 of these species found in the Red Sea. The genus Decapterus is represented in the Egyptian Red Sea by three species: D. macrosoma Bleeker, 1851, D. macarellus (Cuvier, 1833) and D. russelli (Rüppell, 1830). In January and April 2022, a total of 111 specimens of D. kurroides were identified for the first time in the carangid catch at Hurghada landing site. These specimens represent a new addition to the Decapterus genus in the Egyptian Red Sea. The fish ranged in total length from 22.4 to 33.5cm and in weight from 122.9 to 462.31g. The otolith shape is elongated and oval. These new findings increase the number of Decapterus species in the Egyptian Red Sea waters to four.

Keywords