Abstract

This study aims to document the first observation of the marbled crab Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Fabricius, 1787) in Mersin Bay and to determine its biotope preference in this region. In March 2025, benthic sampling was conducted from a single male specimen in a rocky coastal habitat with photophilous algae. The species was identified based on the presence of characteristic morphological features. The specimen was subsequently preserved and stored at the Mersin University Marine Life Museum. This finding suggests that P. marmoratus has expanded its distribution along the eastern Mediterranean coast. In this study, the marbled crab was observed only in a rocky biotope characterized by sunlight and microbial algal cover, exposed to wave action. This study contributes to future studies on monitoring benthic biodiversity and protecting coastal habitats along the northeastern Mediterranean coast.

References

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