The Asian decapod Hemigrapsus penicillatus (de Haan, 1835) (Grapsidae, Decapoda) introduced in European waters: status quo and future perspective

The Asian decapod Hemigrapsus penicillatus (de Haan, 1835) was first record ed in European waters in 1994. The first specimens were collected in the es tuary of Charente Maritime on the west coast of France close to La Rochelle . The current range in Europe covers Spanish shallow water habitats of the Bay of Biscay to areas north of La Rochelle (France). Densities of up to 20 specimens per square metre occur. This species has a high temperature and salinity tolerance and will expand its distribution in European waters. It is not clear whether this crab was introduced by shipping in ballast water or as a fouling organism. Based on a study of ship hull fouling in German d ry docks this account provides evidence that hull fouling is a likely vecto r for the introduction of this crab. In August 1993, six juvenile specimens of H. penicillaius were removed from the hull of a car-carrier. After its journey from Japan into European waters this vessel docked in the port of B remerhaven (Germany) for a routine inspection and coating with antifouling paint.