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Received 28.09.2018; accepted 18.10.2018; printed 30.12.2018; published online 07.01.2019 The blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus (Rafinesque, 1810) (Chondrichthyes Scyliorhinidae) is an accidentally caught species and it acts as a sentinel, by reflecting the state of the region’s fish stocks. Its vulnerability to the impact of fishing, along with the low fertility and late reproduction, do not ensure a good renewal. Data, collected during 13 months from November 2015 to November 2016, were analysed to enrich our knowledge on the population, reproductive biology, growth, and feeding strategy of the blackmouth catshark from the Western coast of Algeria. A total of 551 specimens, 360 males and 191 females, were caught. Their size ranged from 25 cm to 56 cm for both sexes. The length of the first sexual maturity was stunted at 54 cm in females. The asymptotic length was deduced from the von Bertalanffy growth equation to be higher for males than females (females: L∞ = 51.79 cm; males L∞ = 52.14 cm) and the study of the height-weight relationship revealed allometric growth. 551 stomachs were examined and the vacuity index was found to be 63.75%. The preys identified belonged primarily to three major groups: Crustaceans, Osteichthyes, and Cephalopods. Our results show that the feeding strategy of G. melastomus is to be considered generalist and differs from one month to another.

Observation on distribution, biology, growth, diet and feeding strategy of blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus (Rafinesque, 1810) (Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae) in western Algerian coasts