Studying marine crab genetic diversity in the Atlantic and Mediterranean ocean barriers
Genetic biodiversity of the Liocarcinus depurator crab –known as false swimcrab or soup crab- varies over the years and responding to the Atlantic water entering in the Mediterranean, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports and directed by Professor Marta Pascual, from the Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics and the Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio) of the University of Barcelona. The article is also signed by the experts Aymée Robainas Barcia, Francesc Mestres and Tània Roda (UB and IRBio), Ferran Palero and Enrique Macpherson (Blanes Center for Advanced Studies, CEAB-CSIC); Pere Abelló (Institute of Marine Sciences, ICM-CSIC) and Víctor Hugo García-Merchán (University of Quindio, Colombia).
This nocturnal decapod crustacean is found around the east coasts of the Atlantic, from Mauritania and Canary Islands to Norway, as well as around the Mediterranean. With great colonization abilities, its natural habitat is the muddy sands of the continent platform. As it reproduces during the winter, Liocarcinus depurator is very sensitive to the effects of the global warming.