Employees of an environmental consultant found three specimens during exploration in the Nalón-Narcea basin (Asturias). marble crab, a species from the Americas hitherto undetected in rivers in Spain. It is characterized by crab great reproductive capacitycould allow it to expand rapidly, thereby threatening the native species of rivers.
One of the samples found will now be genetically sequenced to try to determine its origin.
The aim of this study was to know whether the specimens found came from an aquarium or from marble crab populations already established in Europe, to be able to estimate their survivability in the area, the person in charge of the investigation explained. EFE, Professor of Zoology at the University of Oviedo, Andrés Arias.
The marble crab is one of 272 species listed as potentially invasive in Spanish continental waters. and Portugal, within the framework of the Life Invasaqua project.
“We know this American breed was bred for aquariums, but Never been detected in the natural environment of Spain. According to Arias, the genetic sequencing will give us an idea of where it came from, whether it’s from an aquarium or a wild population in Europe.”
If it comes from European populations, “it will be easier to adapt to the Spanish natural environment,” he warned, adding that Asturian authorities will try to find if there are more specimens by following the rivers in the region. region.
If established, the marble crab will compete with native species. in addition, it will be exposed to parasites (up to 30 different species) circulating in it and in its shell.
Marble crab comes from America and reproduces by partharogenesis, i.e. Females, who can lay up to three hundred eggs in each reproductive cycle, form clones of themselves without the need for fertilization.
Life Invasaqua is a co-funded project with European funds aimed at raising awareness and education about invasive alien species in freshwater and estuarine systems in Spain and Portugal.