Morphologic and genetic identification of Pisodonophis semicinctus (Richardson, 1848) in the Northeastern Levant Basin

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Akbulut G., Mavruk S.

Acta Biologica Turcica, vol.36, no.3, pp.1-7, 2023 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 36 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Journal Name: Acta Biologica Turcica
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-7
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

On July 27, 2022, a mature female specimen of Pisodonophis semicinctus

(Richardson, 1848), belonging to the Anguilliformes family Ophichthidae, was captured in

the northeastern Levant Basin of the Mediterranean. The observation took place at a depth

of approximately 20 meters, off the Seyhan River, in an area characterized by a sandy and

muddy bottom. The specimen measured 92.5 cm in total length. The total weight was 683

gr. Notably, it exhibited full ripe gonads, indicating its readiness for reproduction. The

stomach of the specimen contained partially digested hard-shelled crustaceans and

mollusks. Genetic analysis of the Cytochrome Oxidase-1 (COI) gene provided valuable

sequence information, applicable for future molecular identification and phylogenetic

studies. The presence of a mature female with a large size and a full stomach suggests the

area's potential suitability for P. semicinctus in the Levant Basin.