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

Abstract

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.