Could Lithodid crabs invade Antarctica?

During recent years there has been much speculation and interest following the discovery of lithodid crabs in the deeper water around Antarctica ( Fig. 1 ), centred on the hypothesis that these crabs might be poised to invade the Antarctic shelf with warming seas, potentially decimating its native fauna – .

Are there crabs in Antarctica?

The waters of the Antarctic coast are pretty dang chilly — and normally crab-free. In fact, it’s been millions of years since crabs have been able to live in the fragile, frigid ecosystem that clings to the continent’s icy shores.

Where do fossil crabs live in Antarctica?

The greatest diversity in Antarctic fossil crabs is seen in sites, such as those on Seymour Island, of shallow and medium depth water ( Fig. 2 ).

How many species of crabs and lobsters are there in Antarctica?

Recent records show that 22 species of crabs and lobsters have been reported from the Southern Ocean, with 12 species found south of 60°S. All are restricted to waters warmer than 0°C, with their Antarctic distribution limited to the areas of seafloor dominated by Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW).

When was the first crab found in Antarctica?

The first record of a crab in Antarctica (south of 60°S) is of a single record of the brachyuran crab Halicarcinus planatus from shores of the South Orkney Islands in 1903 .

Does seafloor water temperature affect lithodid crab distribution in Antarctica?

Seafloor water temperature appears to be a major determining factor in the geographic distribution of lithodid crabs in Antarctica ( Fig. 1) as distributions are likely affected by physiological constraints.