OBSERVATIONS ON THE THINLIP CONGER GNATHOPHIS MYSTAX (OSTEICHTHYES: CONGRIDAE) FROM THE TUNISIAN COAST (CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN)/OSSERVAZIONI SUL GRONGO NASUTO GNATHOPHIS MYSTAX (OSTEICHTHYES: CONGRIDAE) LUNGO LA COSTA TUNISINA (MEDITERRANEO CENTRALE)

The paper reports on some aspects of morphology, morphometric measurements, meristic counts and colour of all Gnathophis mystax found in northern Tunisian waters. Some measurements, such as pre-dorsal length, pre-anal length, pectoral length and pre-pectoral length are in correlation with size; however, the b < 3 values display negative allometry. The relationship between total length (TL) and the hepatosomatic index (HSI) is linked to size. Similar observations were recorded between TL and the gonadosomatic index (GSI), and between TL and condition (K). Of the 48 stomachs examined for contents, 29 were empty. A total of 19 items were found in the stomach contents, although partially digested.