The Occurrence of Four Syngnathid Species (Osteichthyes: Syngnathiformes) in Mersin Bay (North-Eastern Mediterranean)
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Abstract
In this study, we report the occurrence of four rare syngnathids; Hippocampus fuscus Rüppell, 1838, Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier, 1829, Syngnathus acus Linnaeus, 1758 and Syngnathus typhle Linnaeus, 1758 from Mersin Bay (Northeastern Mediterranean Sea coast of Turkey). To date, there is little information about the changes in numbers and habitat status of syngnathid species on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, and these two sea horse species are currently considered as Near Threatened and Not Evaluated. Also, pipefish species are evaluated as Least Concern for the Mediterranean Regional Red List. Because insufficient information is available to assess their extinction risk, this study is significant for seahorse and pipefish populations in the Mediterranean and determining and evaluating their conservation status. Besides, the present study will be useful in the field of fisheries scientists and make an important contribution to fisheries managers.
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