The bluespotted cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii) is an Indo-Pacific species that in the last ten years colonized a large part of the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this study was to sequence some portions of the mitochondrial DNA (D-loop II, 16S, 12S and Cyt b) of this fish from different localities of the Mediterranean Sea, in order to evaluate the level of its genetic variability in this area. The genetic analysis performed on specimens from seven localities of Sardinia, Tunisia and Libya revealed the presence of at least five mitochondrial lineages. The results obtained, compared with previous studies, indicate that the use of a sufficient number of mitochondrial regions may allow a more accurate estimate of genetic variability in lessepsian invasions.

Some adult specimens of the bluespotted cornetfish, Fistularia commersonii (Osteichthyes: Fistulariidae), are recorded for the first time along the Algerian coasts, in Skikda Bay (eastern Algeria) and offshore Bou Ismaïl Bay (central Algeria). More than 100 fish measuring from 73 to 88 cm were captured by fishermen. A sample of three specimens is described here. This species is the first lessepsian immigrant fish in Algeria, indicating its fast spreading ability and its success in the Mediterranean environments.