DISTRIBUZIONE DI CALLINECTES SAPIDUS (DECAPODA: PORTUNIDAE) LUNGO UN GRADIENTE MARE-LAGUNA IN NORD ADRIATICO

CALLINECTES SAPIDUS (DECAPODA: PORTUNIDAE) DISTRIBUTION ALONG A LAGOON-SEA TRANSECT IN THE NORTHERN ADRIATIC SEA

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of the invasive species Callinectes sapidus in different habitats of the Northern Adriatic Sea and evaluate the productivity of three types of crab pots, used to carry out the sampling. The distribution of crabs varies between males and females, depending on both the season and the sampling station. Females were mostly caught at sea in the summer, while males were more prevalent in river and confined lagoon environments. Double-chamber pots had a significantly higher productivity than single-chamber pots. These findings could be useful for the containment of the species.