First record and DNA barcodes of non-native shrimp, Caridina babaulti (Bouvier, 1918) in Europe

Abstract

The present contribution is the first record of ornamental freshwater shrimp Caridina babaulti from European open waters and the first evidence of introduction outside its native range. Among 120 non-native freshwater shrimps collected in Miskolctapolca, Hungary, seven individuals (5.8%) were identified as C. babaulti and included one ovigerous female, while the others (94.2%) were Neocaridina davidi. Morphological analysis and the Standard DNA Barcoding Procedure confirmed the taxonomic identification of the two species. The presence of C. babaulti in Miskolctapolca is most likely due to intentional or unintentional releases by aquarium owners. The low number of captured individuals and this species’ absence in a previous survey suggest that the shrimp is of recent introduction. C. babaulti and the well-established N. davidi have similar environmental tolerance; hence, this species might potentially form a viable population if not removed.