engleski

Non-indigenous decapod crustaceans in the Adriatic waters: A short review

During the past few decades, various factors, such as climate change, anthropogenic activity and Lessepsian migration have altered the composition of Adriatic fauna. Extensive investigations carried out in recent decades have brought to attention of scientists many species, previously not recorded or reported for the Adriatic Sea. Among these, there is a significant number of non-indigenous species, the presence of which may be attributed to the processes of bioinvasion and tropicalisation as well as human activities and modern maritime traffic. Fifteen non-indigenous (alien) species of decapod crustaceans have been recorded up to now in the Adriatic Sea and five can be regarded as established. The impact of successful colonizators on the native communities is unknown yet. Seven species are represented only by records of single specimens. Several non-indigenous species have been also reported for the Adriatic Sea the occurrence of which is highly questionable (for example: Thenus orientalis, Portunus sanguinolentus, Plagusia squamosa). The present hydrological status of the Adriatic Sea still seems unsuited for the tropical species that invaded the Eastern Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, as the alien decapods recorded in the Adriatic originate mainly from the temperate region of the West Atlantic or the West Pacific. Their introduction seems mainly related to maritime traffic.

Adriatic Sea, alien species, non-indigenous, decapoda

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