Establishment of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) in a Mediterranean hypersaline basin: evidence of ecological plasticity and range expansion

Cicala, Davide; Andolina, Cristina; Bardelli, Roberta; Cilluffo, Giovanna; Ciriminna, Laura; Mancinelli, Giorgio; Vizzini, Salvatrice

doi:10.3897/neobiota.104.160696

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Article: Establishment of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) in a Mediterranean hypersaline basin: evidence of ecological plasticity and range expansion

Title

Establishment of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) in a Mediterranean hypersaline basin: evidence of ecological plasticity and range expansion

By

Cicala, Davide
Andolina, Cristina
Bardelli, Roberta
Cilluffo, Giovanna
Ciriminna, Laura
Mancinelli, Giorgio
Vizzini, Salvatrice

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-12-8

Original Publication

NeoBiota : advancing research on alien species and biological invasions

Volume

104

Pages

281--300

Subjects

coastal ecosystem , ecological opportunism , invasion success , invasive alien species , Population Dynamics , sampling methods

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sophia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.104.160696

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License Type URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Rights: https://biodiversitylibrary.org/permissions
Copyright Status: In copyright. Digitized with the permission of the rights holder.
Rights Holder: Copyright held by individual article author(s).

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expand Abstract

A central aspect of ecology is the understanding of how environmental factors influence species distribution, population structure, and dynamics, ultimately highlighting species’ capacity to adapt to environmental shifts. This study investigates the population structure and environmental drivers influencing Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) within a hypersaline basin (Stagnone di Marsala, Sicily, Italy), highlighting the species’ adaptability to Mediterranean hypersaline coastal ecosystems. The presence of both sexes at various developmental stages indicates the full establishment of the population within the Stagnone, confirming that ecological opportunism, high salinity tolerance, and thermal preference enable C. sapidus to invade areas encompassing a wide range of environments. Two sampling methods were adopted: baited traps and gillnets. The nets captured larger, more mobile males, while traps were effective for a broader size range and included more female individuals. Population structure varied across different sectors of the basin, with the Center–North area showing the highest abundance, likely due to favorable habitat conditions and limited water exchange with the sea. These results emphasize the ability of C. sapidus to complete its life cycle under hypersaline conditions and its preference for stable, sheltered environments. The findings have significant implications for managing C. sapidus populations and mitigating their ecological impact. Adaptive management strategies, such as targeted harvesting and monitoring of salinity and temperature, are key to controlling this invasive species and protecting Mediterranean coastal ecosystems.