Further records of Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae) in the Strait of Sicily

Abstract

Five specimens of the invasive American blue crab Callinectes sapidus were caught from October 2018 to December 2019 off the Mazara del Vallo harbour, Strait of Sicily. This note documents further records of the species in the Strait of Sicily and its settlement in the area. In addition, an update of the spatial distribution of C. sapidus in the Mediterranean Sea was provided.

An additional record of the non-indigenous species (NIS) Seriola fasciata from the southern coast of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)

“…In addition, as shown in Table 1 by comparing the morphometric and meristic features it was emerged that all values were similar with the other Mediterranean studies which strengthen the correct identification of the species and therefore the presence of S. fasciata in Strait of Sicily. The occurrence of S. fasciata in the Sicilian waters is not totally unexpected indeed the Strait of Sicily may represents an ecological corridor for NIS from the Atlantic Ocean and the Indo-Pacific Ocean as well (SCANNELLA et al, 2017;SERVELLO et al 2019, GER-ACI et al, 2019FALSONE et al, 2020). Around Sicily waters, the catch of juveniles of S. fasciata with trammel net represents an anomaly considering that it was caught mainly caught by purse seine fishing the common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) with fish aggregating devices (FADs) (ANDALORO et al, 2005;TIRALONGO et al, 2018) (Fig.…”

New reports on the presence of Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) along the Calabrian coast

“…Another 5 individuals have been found in the Channel Sicily off the port of Mazara del Vallo [3], the species is continuing its expansion.…”