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The Invasive Blue Crab: Implications for Fisheries, Aquaculture and One...
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The Invasive Blue Crab: Implications for Fisheries, Aquaculture and One Health Perspective

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Aquatic Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2026 | Viewed by 8480

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Giuseppe Esposito

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Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Italy
Interests: aquaculture; fish biology; aquatic organisms pathology; antibiotic resistance; conservation of biodiversity in aquatic environments; alien invasive species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Silvia Colussi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Italy
Interests: genetics and genomics; genetic resistance to animal diseases; fish diseases; antibiotic resistance; molecular characterization of bacteria; invasive alien species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Paolo Pastorino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
Interests: aquaculture; fish biology; aquatic organism pathology; ecotoxicology; conservation of biodiversity in aquatic environments; antibiotic resistance; trace elements; emerging contaminants; microplastics; invasive alien species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The invasive blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, presents significant challenges and opportunities in various fields. This Special Issue seeks to gather extensive research on the diverse impacts of this species. Major areas of interest include the effects on fisheries and aquaculture, where the blue crab’s predatory and competitive behaviors disrupt local ecosystems and economic activities. Additionally, we aim to explore the environmental impacts on biodiversity, habitat structures, and ecosystem services. Understanding the disease dynamics and potential threats posed to native species by the blue crab through pathological studies is another key focus. Genetic research will provide insights into the species’ adaptive mechanisms and spread, while studies on contaminants, especially emerging pollutants, will shed light on bioaccumulation risks in invaded areas. This Special Issue aspires to offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of the blue crab, guiding management strategies to mitigate its negative effects and exploit potential benefits through a One Health approach.

We invite original contributions that focus on the following topics:

  • Effects on fisheries and aquaculture;
  • Environmental impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems;
  • Pathological studies and disease dynamics;
  • Genetic insights into adaptation and spread;
  • Contaminants and bioaccumulation risks;
  • Integrated management strategies for mitigation and benefits.

This Special Issue aims to deepen our knowledge of the blue crab’s impact and inform effective management practices.

Dr. Giuseppe Esposito
Dr. Silvia Colussi
Dr. Paolo Pastorino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Callinectes sapidus
  • animal health
  • invasive alien species
  • biodiversity
  • habitat structures
  • ecosystem services
  • animal genetics
  • environmental pollution

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 2557 KB  
Article
The Invasive Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus from the Northern Adriatic Sea: Feeding Behaviour and Fecundity Data
by Antonio Casalini, Laura Gentile, Dario Lombardi, Riccardo Brusa, Pietro Emmanuele and Oliviero Mordenti
Animals 2026, 16(11), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16111576 - 22 May 2026
Abstract
The population of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus is rapidly expanding in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is causing increasing ecological and economic impacts. However, biological information from recently colonised areas remains limited. This study combined controlled experiments and reproductive analyses to investigate [...] Read more.
The population of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus is rapidly expanding in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is causing increasing ecological and economic impacts. However, biological information from recently colonised areas remains limited. This study combined controlled experiments and reproductive analyses to investigate the key biological traits of C. sapidus in the northern Adriatic Sea. Feeding trials were conducted under controlled conditions to assess prey consumption and feeding behaviours using Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) and Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), offered as monospecific and mixed diets. The results showed that, while the number of prey items consumed did not differ markedly between species, mussels provided a significantly higher edible biomass, indicating greater energetic profitability. Handling and consumption times were comparable between prey types, suggesting compensatory differences between opening and feeding phases. Food intake was strongly influenced by temperature, with peak consumption observed between 25 and 28 °C and reduced feeding at both lower and higher temperatures. Reproductive analysis of ovigerous females revealed high fecundity, with a mean of 1.63 ± 0.53 million eggs per individual and a positive relationship between fecundity and body size. Overall, the results confirm that C. sapidus combines trophic flexibility with high reproductive output—traits that support its invasive success. These findings improve the understanding of the blue crab’s ecological role in the northern Adriatic, providing useful insights for assessing its impact on shellfish aquaculture and developing management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Invasive Blue Crab: Implications for Fisheries, Aquaculture and One Health Perspective)
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19 pages, 339 KB  
Article
Trapping Callinectes sapidus (Atlantic Blue Crab) in the Mediterranean: What Can Be Learned from Carcinus maenas (European Green Crab) Pest Management
by Jonathan W. Burnett, Hannah Ohnstad, Jorg D. Hardege and Helga D. Bartels-Hardege
Animals 2026, 16(10), 1488; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16101488 - 12 May 2026
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Invasive marine crustaceans present ecological and socio-economic challenges, particularly where high fecundity, behavioural plasticity, and environmental tolerance limit the effectiveness of conventional control measures. The Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, has expanded across the Mediterranean, where it exerts strong predatory pressure on [...] Read more.
Invasive marine crustaceans present ecological and socio-economic challenges, particularly where high fecundity, behavioural plasticity, and environmental tolerance limit the effectiveness of conventional control measures. The Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, has expanded across the Mediterranean, where it exerts strong predatory pressure on native species and aquaculture resources, yet management efforts rely largely on traditional baited trapping. Drawing on extensive evidence from the global management of the European green crab, Carcinus maenas, we evaluate why conventional trapping has failed to achieve sustained population suppression in invasive brachyuran crabs. We synthesise lessons from green crab control to identify common biological and operational constraints, including rapid compensatory population responses, bycatch, and limited behavioural selectivity. We then examine the potential of semiochemical-based strategies—incorporating olfactory cues—within an integrated pest management (IPM) framework. Semiochemical-enhanced approaches offer the capacity to directly exploit species-specific sensory ecology, improve trap selectivity, and reduce non-target impacts, addressing fundamental limitations of existing methods. We argue that prioritising such IPM, rather than further optimisation of traditional trapping alone, represents the most realistic pathway for long-term mitigation of C. sapidus in the Mediterranean. While eradication remains improbable, strategically deployed semiochemical-based control could substantially enhance suppression efficiency and inform broader invasive species management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Invasive Blue Crab: Implications for Fisheries, Aquaculture and One Health Perspective)
14 pages, 1344 KB  
Article
Predation by Native Mediterranean Species on the Invasive Blue Crab: Experimental Evidence from the Common Octopus and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle
by Silvia Falco, Miguel Rodilla, José Luis Crespo-Picazo, Daniel García-Párraga, Ignasi Gairin and Patricia Prado
Animals 2025, 15(24), 3566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15243566 - 11 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 945
Abstract
The rapid spread of the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems poses ecological and socio-economic challenges, highlighting the need to explore natural control mechanisms. We conducted controlled aquarium experiments to assess the functional size preference and feeding rates [...] Read more.
The rapid spread of the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems poses ecological and socio-economic challenges, highlighting the need to explore natural control mechanisms. We conducted controlled aquarium experiments to assess the functional size preference and feeding rates of two native Mediterranean predators: the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Two sets of trials were performed: (1) size preference experiments, in which individual predators were simultaneously offered crabs of varying sizes; and (2) ad libitum feeding experiments to estimate daily consumption rates. Octopuses consumed only the soft tissues biomass (STB, ~54% of total crab biomass), reaching maximum intake rates of 454 ± 71 gWW·d−1 in adult individuals. Sea turtles ingested whole crabs, including the exoskeleton, with total consumption rates up to 815 ± 592 gWW·d−1 of total biomass (TB) in adults. Subadult octopuses exhibited shorter handling times for small crabs, although neither predator showed a statistically significant size preference. Our findings indicate that both predators can consume substantial amounts of blue crab biomass, but O. vulgaris—due to its higher feeding efficiency and ecological abundance—might play a more prominent role as a natural biocontrol agent. These results provide valuable insights for integrated management strategies aimed at mitigating the ecological impact of C. sapidus in the Mediterranean. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Invasive Blue Crab: Implications for Fisheries, Aquaculture and One Health Perspective)
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17 pages, 1866 KB  
Article
The Invasive Alien Species Callinectes sapidus Threatens the Restoration of Ostrea edulis and Paracentrotus lividus in the Mediterranean Sea
by Gianni Brundu, Philip Graham, Mattia Corrias, Cheoma Frongia and Stefano Carboni
Animals 2025, 15(24), 3553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15243553 - 10 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 903
Abstract
The European flat oyster Ostrea edulis and the stony sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus play key ecological roles in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The decline of their natural populations has prompted several restoration initiatives; however, the rapid spread of the [...] Read more.
The European flat oyster Ostrea edulis and the stony sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus play key ecological roles in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The decline of their natural populations has prompted several restoration initiatives; however, the rapid spread of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus raises concern about its potential impact on native species and the success of these efforts. This study investigated predation by male and female C. sapidus on different size classes of O. edulis and P. lividus under controlled laboratory conditions. Crabs were offered single or mixed prey species, and consumption was monitored over 24 h. Small (~33 mm shell length) oysters were heavily preyed upon (>62%), whereas medium (~60 mm) and large (~82 mm) individuals were not consumed, although attempted predation on medium individuals was observed. In contrast, P. lividus was only occasionally consumed (<32%) at the smallest size (~13.5 mm diameter). Predation differed slightly between sexes at shorter exposure times but converged after 24 h. These results indicate that C. sapidus poses a serious threat to O. edulis restoration, particularly for small individuals, while its impact on P. lividus appears limited. Incorporating predator assessment and mitigation strategies into restoration planning should become standard practice to strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of Mediterranean restoration efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Invasive Blue Crab: Implications for Fisheries, Aquaculture and One Health Perspective)
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23 pages, 563 KB  
Article
Effects of Different Diets on Growth Performance and Nutritional Composition of Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus, Rathbun, 1896) in a Recirculating Aquaculture System
by Deniz Devrim Tosun, Güneş Yamaner, Mustafa Yıldız, Şehnaz Yasemin Tosun, Menekşe Didem Demircan Akyasan, Ömer Metin and Eylül Balcıoğlu
Animals 2025, 15(19), 2794; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192794 - 25 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2381
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of three feeding regimens—commercial feed (CF), minced trash fish (MTF), and a 50:50 mixture (MIX)—on the growth performance and tissue composition of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). A total [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of three feeding regimens—commercial feed (CF), minced trash fish (MTF), and a 50:50 mixture (MIX)—on the growth performance and tissue composition of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). A total of 96 crabs (8 per tank, four tanks per group) were fed daily at 3% of body weight. Growth was assessed via weight gain, carapace width (CW), and carapace length (CL), while biochemical analyses focused on lipid, fatty acid, and amino acid profiles. The CF and MIX groups exhibited significantly higher final body weights (115.64 ± 3.03 g and 113.53 ± 2.53 g, respectively) and CW (97.88 ± 1.02 mm and 97.16 ± 0.43 mm) compared to the MTF group (p < 0.05), suggesting more frequent or complete molting. The MTF group showed limited growth (102.81 ± 2.25 g; 95.24 ± 1.19 mm), likely due to reduced ecdysis events. Tissue lipid and fatty acid profiles reflected dietary inputs, with significant differences in DHA/EPA and n-3/n-6 ratios among treatments (p < 0.05). Essential amino acid levels decreased across all groups, possibly due to the metabolic demands of molting. These findings highlight the critical role of diet in promoting molting and improving tissue quality in blue crab aquaculture under controlled RAS conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Invasive Blue Crab: Implications for Fisheries, Aquaculture and One Health Perspective)
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18 pages, 4093 KB  
Article
Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) Haemolymph as a Potential Reservoir of Mesophilic Shewanella Species
by Giuseppe Esposito, Fabio Bondavalli, Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Paolo Pastorino, Sonia Scala, Martina Gini, Giulia Milanese, Edoardo Turolla, Alessandra Maganza, Simona Sciuto, Domenico Meloni, Rita Melillo, Pierluigi Acutis, Elena Bozzetta, Sebastiano Virgilio, Caterina Faggio, Silvia Colussi and Marino Prearo
Animals 2025, 15(12), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15121731 - 11 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2601
Abstract
The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an invasive alien species in the Mediterranean Sea, posing threats to biodiversity, fisheries, and aquaculture. Climate change has worsened these challenges, influencing the distribution of bacterial species, including Shewanella species, which are sensitive to changes [...] Read more.
The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an invasive alien species in the Mediterranean Sea, posing threats to biodiversity, fisheries, and aquaculture. Climate change has worsened these challenges, influencing the distribution of bacterial species, including Shewanella species, which are sensitive to changes in temperature and salinity. In this study, 300 blue crabs were sampled between June and October 2024 from the Sacca di Goro (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) to investigate the prevalence of Shewanella species in their haemolymph. The prevalence was found to be 7% (21/300), with species such as S. mesophila, S. algae, S. cowelliana, and S. baltica identified, particularly in the months of September and October. Molecular techniques, including MALDI-TOF MS and rpoB gene amplification, were used to identify isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) revealed a trend of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. A network analysis was also conducted to examine the global trends of Shewanella research in relation to humans, animals, and the marine environment. While proper cooking eliminates the risk to consumers, handling without personal protective equipment can increase exposure, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as those who are elderly or immunocompromised. Mild symptoms are observed in children. Further studies, particularly with a One Health approach, are crucial to better understand the transmission dynamics and evolving antibiotic resistance of Shewanella species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Invasive Blue Crab: Implications for Fisheries, Aquaculture and One Health Perspective)
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