Invasive portunid crabs in Libyan waters : first record of the Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 and range expansion of the swimming blue crab Portunus segnis (Forskål, 1775)

Abstract

The occurrence of the portunid Callinectes sapidus is documented for the first time from Libyan waters. The record fills a gap of knowledge concerning the distribution of this non-indigenous crab of Atlantic origin, that currently has invaded almost all the Mediterranean basin. Recent records of the Lessepsian crab Portunus segnis, already known from Libyan waters, ascertain furthermore its establishment within and its range expansion along the coastline of the country.