Resumo

RODRIGUEZ, Gilberto  e  SUAREZ, Héctor. Anthropogenic dispersal of decapod crustaceans in aquatic environments. INCI [online]. 2001, vol.26, n.7, pp.282-288. ISSN 0378-1844.

The anthropogenic dispersal of decapod crustaceans is part of an event that in recent years has acquired characteristics of a global environmental change. From the 10000 species of decapods so far recorded in the world, 58 marine species, 8 freshwater-estuarine species and 21 river crabs (Astacura) have been recorded outside their original areas of distribution. Lessepsian Ms through channels, accidental maritime transport and introduction for aquaculture have been the mechanisms responsible for these dispersals. Four penaeid species, the freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium rosenbergii, the river crab Procambarus clarkii, and 3 brachyuran crabs have been introduced in Venezuela. Due to their characteristic anatomy and high fecundity the decapod crustaceans are particularly apt for the colonization of new areas and the establishment of explosive populations.

Palavras-chave : Crustacea Decapoda ; Dispersal ; Environmental Impact ; Biological Invasion .