The General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture revealed on Sunday that a scientific report prepared by the National Center for Research and Development in Fisheries and Aquaculture recorded a fish species in Algerian waters, identified as Etrumeus golanii. This follows the landing of quantities of small pelagic fish at the ports of Skikda and Boumerdes in late February 2026, based on photos and samples studied by fisheries researchers.
According to the same source, this species belongs to coastal pelagic fish with characteristics similar to sardines. It is primarily found in the western Indian Ocean before crossing into the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. This species is characterized by its high ability to adapt to various environmental conditions, especially changes in temperature and sea currents. It also has a long breeding period and continuous renewal of juvenile fish populations at close intervals, characteristics that have helped it gradually expand into the southern Mediterranean regions.
Nationally, this species was first recorded in February 2017 off the coast of Cherchell in Tipaza province, after a school was caught by a sardine fishing vessel at a depth of approximately 30 meters. Available scientific data indicates that this species does not show any significant negative impact on local fisheries or public health. In the eastern Mediterranean, it is considered a regularly present fish species of commercial importance.
The General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture confirmed that it continues to collect data related to landings and strengthen field sampling programs to study its distribution and biological characteristics and accurately assess its stock, ensuring continuous scientific monitoring of this type of pelagic fish.
