On the distribution, diet and possible impact of the invasive European shore crab Carcinus maenas (L.) along the South African coast

摘要: The crab Carcinus maenas (L.) has an endemic distribution along the European Atlantic coastline but been accidentally introduced into intertidal habitats in several parts of world. Its discovery at Cape Peninsula South Africa is recorded here. well established Table Bay harbour and population least seven years old. From here it spread 117 km north 10 south. Populations on open coast are more recently established. feeds a wide range animals, particularly isopod Paridotea ungulata, limpets polychaetes, too early to make quantitative assessments its impact local communities. Initial predation experiments suggest that barnacle Notomegabalanus algicola whelks Oxystele variegata O. tigrina have no refuge size or zonation from crab. sinensis, similar tigrina, less vulnerable by virtue stronger shell. critical (above which large to...