Preliminary data on fish hosts and their conservation importance for the critically endangered <scp> <i>Pseudunio marocanus</i> </scp> (Pallary, 1918)

Pseudunio marocanus (Pallary, 1918) is an endemic species of Morocco and considered one the world’s 100 most threatened species. The life cycle this critically endangered freshwater mussel remains unknown. However, knowledge about discharge period its larvae ecological fish hosts crucial to adopt more effective conservation strategies. Given information gap, monitoring presence P. glochidia in from Laabid River was carried out January May 2019 determine period. Two different approaches were used assess marocanus: (i) determination infestation rates fishes situ through monthly (from May) sampling (Oum Er Rbia basin); (ii) artificial laboratory trials using four A peak observed at end February. Fully metamorphosed juveniles detected all native species, i.e. Luciobarbus ksibi (Boulenger, 1905), Carasobarbus fritschii (Günther, 1874), zayanensis Doadrio, Casal-lopez & Yahyaoui, 2016, Pterocapoeta maroccana Günther, 1874. For first time, determined, vital implement future measures (i.e. propagation, reinforcement populations, possible reintroductions marocanus, careful management river flow by upstream dams, prohibition fishing activities during critical period). increasing human pressure on habitats biodiversity Morocco, it essential preserve ichthyofauna conserve rare pearl