Abstract
A cambarid specimen was collected in a brook in Saxony (south-east Germany). Preliminary morphological inspection identified it as the parthenogenetic Marmorkrebs (Decapoda, Astacida, Cambaridae). However, this individual showed some striking morphological differences compared to specimens of our laboratory Marmorkrebs culture. Hence, we conducted a molecular analysis based on two mitochondrial genes, COI and 12S, to check its identity. The results of the genetic study verified the initial assumption of a Marmorkrebs identity for the Saxon specimen. Thus, in addition to the two indigenous species, the new find is the fourth recorded introduced crayfish species in this area. However, a search for further Marmorkrebs specimens at the same site was not successful. Most published records of Marmorkrebs in European waters concern just single individuals and an established population has so far not been observed. This stands in contrast to other recently introduced cambarid species. Thus, we critically discuss the potential of the Marmorkrebs to spread within Europe. The major obstacle may be that the temperature necessary for optimal development and reproduction of the Marmorkrebs is significantly higher than that found in most European waters. However, given globally increasing temperatures, this might change in the future.
Highlights
It is common knowledge that invasive species can impose serious consequences on native ecosystems (Sala et al 2000; Wittenberg and Cock 2001; Hulme et al 2008)
Preliminary morphological inspection identified it as the parthenogenetic Marmorkrebs (Decapoda, Astacida, Cambaridae)
This individual showed some striking morphological differences compared to specimens of our laboratory Marmorkrebs culture
Summary
It is common knowledge that invasive species can impose serious consequences on native ecosystems (Sala et al 2000; Wittenberg and Cock 2001; Hulme et al 2008) Has this effect being as dramatic as in the case of the anthropogenic introduction of North American freshwater crayfish species into Europe (Lodge et al 2000; Pöckl and Pekny 2002). Schikora 1906, which is a highly contagious disease, plays a decisive role in this ongoing process It is mainly transmitted by the largely resistant introduced North American crayfish species, which act as a carrier, and causes mass mortalities in indigenous crayfish populations (Oidtmann et al 1999). The number of recorded non-indigenous, and apparently released, North
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