The Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 Extends Its Southbound Invasion Along the Atlantic Coast of North Africa: First Occurrence in the Atlantic Sahara Shores of Morocco

The invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) has been expanding its range along both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Morocco. It was first found in the Marchica lagoon along the Mediterranean Sea and subsequently reached the Khnifiss lagoon, which is situated in the middle of Morocco’s Atlantic coastline. In the present work, we report the first record of C. sapidus from the Atlantic Sahara, in Dakhla Bay, Morocco. This record represents the southernmost point of the distribution of the blue crab in North Africa. Furthermore, we provide new records of its occurrence along the Mediterranean coast, therefore, filling the gaps on its known distribution area in Morocco. Two more marine protected areas have been invaded by the blue crab, Al-Hoceima National Park (AHNP) and Dakhla Bay, along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, respectively.