Filling the limpet gap: molecular characterization of the genus Patella (Patellidae, Gastropoda) in the Algerian coasts of Oran

Several molecular studies have been conducted on northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean patellid limpets, but Algerian specimens have never been included in these studies. This work intends to fill this gap and characterize populations of different Patella species inhabiting the Algerian coasts of Oran, clarifying the presence of Patella ferruginea that is considered as endangered. Moreover, comparison of their intraspecific variation with that of other areas might enlighten about populations connectivity and the conservation status of the analysed species. The molecular analyses performed on the samples from Oran's coasts, confirmed the presence of Patella ferruginea, P. rustica and P. caerulea, all of which shared haplotypes with other Mediterranean localities previously analysed. The intraspecific differentiation was limited, with the exception of P. rustica, which showed the greatest diversity, while P. ferruginea, the most endangered species, showed the lowest.