First Mediterranean record of peacock hind, Cephalopholis argus (Osteichthyes: Serranidae from the Tunisian coast

The authors report on the capture of a lot of peacock hinds, Cephalopholis argus Bloch & Schneider, 1801 from southeastern Tunisian, close to Kerkennah Islands. The specimens measured from 185 to 430 mm in total length (TL). The size of the largest specimen is a bit less than the maximum TL, 480-550 mm, generally reported for the species. Some specimens displayed differences in sizes, such patterns suggest that a population of this species is progressively establishing in the area. This record is the first for the Tunisia coast but also for the entire Mediterranean Sea. However, to avoid ciguatera fish poisoning from C. argus consumption by Tunisian peoples, this ciguatoxic species needs to be thoroughly studied in relation with diet and its captures should be carefully managed and assessed.