The rapid colonization by Crangon crangon (Linnaeus, 1758) (Eucarida, Caridea, Crangonidae) of Icelandic coastal waters

The European brown shrimp, Crangon crangon (L., 1758) has colonized the intertidal zones of Iceland and spread rapidly to many coastal areas. The first confirmed record dates from 2003, and by 2006 the species had colonized the west and south coasts, while not being recorded on the north and east coasts. Densities as high as 6700 animals 100 m(-2)supercript stop were measured. The absence of the brown shrimp from Iceland until recently is interesting in the light of its occurrence in Arctic waters, especially off northern Norway and Russia. It seems most likely that it was brought to Iceland by ballast water. The present records substantially extend the known geographical range of this species.