Three new findings of "sea slugs" (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) for the Algerian provinces of Algiers and Tipaza (Algeria, south-western Mediterranean)

Knowledge of the “sea slug” fauna along the Algerian coast has always been scarce and fragmented, mainly due to the lack of experts on this group in the region. Nevertheless, recent collaboration with local marine life enthusiasts has made it possible to compile the first faunal inventory of Algerian sea slugs. Building on this collaborative effort, the present study reports the first observation from the Algerian coast of Phyllidia flava, Berthellina cf. edwardsii, and Haminoea cf. hydatis, recorded in the provinces of Algiers and Tipaza. Species identification was based on external morphological characters visible in photographs and comparison with relevant literature. Further studies based on detailed morphological and molecular analyses will be necessary to confirm the identification of the latter two records. These findings further contribute to knowledge of sea slug diversity along the Algerian coast and highlight the importance of continued surveys and collaboration with local observers.