Rhodes discovery: Indian Ocean crab species recorded in Greek waters

Scientists have recorded the first appearance of the exotic crab species Liomera rugipes in Greek waters. The specimen, a male, was discovered at a depth of 50 to 55 meters in the Ladiki marine area near Rhodes.

Originating from the Indian Ocean, this discovery represents the westernmost presence of the species recorded in the Mediterranean to date. Researchers believe its presence in the Eastern Mediterranean is likely due to migration through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

The identification was achieved through morphological examination and molecular analysis, which provided the first DNA barcode sequence for this species. This sequence will serve as a scientific tool for monitoring future spread. The research was a collaborative effort between the Rhodes Hydrobiological Station, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (ELKETE), and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with findings published in the journal BioInvasions Records.