New records of Charybdis japonica (A. Milne-Edwards, 1861) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Portunidae) in the Adriatic Sea

Fifteen years after the first capture of a specimen of Charybdis japonica in the Adriatic Sea, we report the collection of two more specimens near the port of Ravenna. This swimming crab, native from the North Western Pacific, has already proved its invasive capacity in New Zealand coastal waters. Its possible establishment in the northern Adriatic lagoons may represent a treat for the local Manila clam fishery and aquaculture activities.

Automated summary

This article reports the collection of two more specimens of Charybdis japonica near the port of Ravenna, fifteen years after the first capture of a specimen in the Adriatic Sea. This swimming crab, native from the North Western Pacific, has already demonstrated its invasive capacity in New Zealand. Its potential establishment in the northern Adriatic lagoons poses a threat to the local Manila clam fishery and aquaculture activities.