A prediction come true: the green crab invades the Patagonian coast

摘要: We report the finding of European green crab on Atlantic coast Patagonia. A total 61 specimens were found in Camarones bay (Chubut Province, Argentina) November 2003 and January 2004. Carapace widths ranged between 39.9 71.4 mm for females, 51.4 81.4 males. All females sexually mature, most had already spawned. Size frequency distributions temperature conditions area suggest that species been introduced at least 3–4 years before our (1999–2000). The analysis surface seawater native non-native ranges distribution suggests would be able to colonize eastern South America from southern Brazil (29°S) mouth Magellan Strait (52°S). Possible areas introduction region vectors are discussed.