American flat-backed crabs began the occupation of the Sea of Azov

The composition of the fauna of the Sea of Azov is currently seriously changing, primarily due to the increase in salinity. As a result, previously unseen representatives of crustaceans appear in the water area.

This is stated in an article by scientists of the A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the South Seas, published in Russian Journal of Biological Invasions.

In particular, it is reported about the appearance of American flat-backed mud crabs in the Sea of Azov, which were previously found only off the Atlantic coast of the United States.

This species was discovered several years ago in the western part of the Black Sea. Now, American aliens have been caught at several points in the Sea of Azov, including the Kerch Strait and the Taman Bay.

Scientists note that the probability of crab spreading by natural sea currents is very low. Most likely, the crabs moved with the help of sea vessels.

Intensive shipping has been established in the surveyed areas. Experts do not rule out the further spread of American crabs throughout the waters of the Sea of Azov.

The flat—backed mud crab is small, its length reaches about 13 millimeters. The animal is distinguished by the brownish-red color of the shell. One claw is almost always larger than the other. Their ends are painted black. Crabs are omnivorous, their diet includes algae, oyster shells, worms, sponges, small crustaceans.

While scientists do not undertake to predict what consequences this "invasion" will lead to. It is quite possible that the aliens will become a permanent biological part of the fauna of the Sea of Azov.

Examples of such adaptation are already available. So, the Japanese (venous) rapana has taken root so well and has bred in the Black Sea that it feels as if it has lived here since ancient times.

Earlier, EADaily reported that a project for the reconstruction of the village of Urzuf in the Mangush municipal district, which was founded in the second half of the XVIII century, will be implemented in the Donetsk People's Republic. A new modern resort will appear on the shore of the Sea of Azov.