Abstract
We describe a new occurrence of parthenogenetic Marmorkrebs in southwestern Germany and give a synopsis of recent records of this species in Europe. Including the most recent records, 15 Marmorkrebs records are currently known, most of which are from Germany. At least six records represent established populations, which is an alarming increase beyond the one Marmorkrebs population known prior to 2010. Most established populations occur in lentic habitats near conurbations, typically in highly frequented secondary habitats, such as gravel pit lakes. In three instances, Marmorkrebs migrated over land, demonstrating their potential for active spread, and two invasive populations endanger indigenous crayfish populations. Most Marmorkrebs populations are large and are most likely several years old, suggesting a considerable lag between introduction and detection. Marmorkrebs populations in Europe are most likely the result of deliberate releases from aquaria, although secondary introductions may have occurred in one instance. Because Marmorkrebs are still widespread in the European pet trade, which most likely generates substantial propagule pressure, it is likely that the number of established populations will further increase over time. To mitigate the risk of further harmful crayfish releases, we suggest the prohibition of trading live high-risk crayfish species, including Marmorkrebs.
Highlights
The Marmorkrebs is an enigmatic crayfish species of North American origin
To mitigate the risk of further harmful crayfish releases, we suggest the prohibition of trading live high-risk crayfish species, including Marmorkrebs
Because Marmorkrebs are primarily introduced from aquaria (SoutyGrosset et al 2006; Chucholl 2011), we focus on the risks associated with aquarium introductions, a newly emerging introduction pathway of nonindigenous crayfish species (NICS) that may add yet another chapter to the notorious history of NICS introductions in Europe
Summary
The Marmorkrebs is an enigmatic crayfish species of North American origin. It was first discovered in the German pet trade in the mid 1990s, when aquarium enthusiasts reported an all-female crayfish species that reproduces without males (Lukhaup 2001). Due to their characteristic and conspicuous color pattern, these crayfish quickly became known asMarmorkrebs (German, which translates into English asmarbled crayfish). The Marmorkrebs is unique because it is the only known decapod crustacean that obligatory reproduces by apomictic parthenogenesis: only females exist, which lay unfertilized eggs that develop into genetically identical offspring (Scholtz et al 2003; Martin et al 2007; Vogt et al 2008). No males have been found in the laboratory or in introduced, wild populations (Seitz et al 2005; Jones et al 2009; Janský and Mutkovič 2010)
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