Presence of the giant tiger shrimp penaeus monodon (Decapoda: Penaeidae) from american atlantic coasts. review

Abstract

-The presence of invasive species is an important element with high relevance associated to their impact on the environment. The aim of this work was to collect scientific information about a new invasive species (Penaeus monodon) reported on the Mexican coasts (2012), their possible origin, distribution mechanisms on the coasts of the American Atlantic, and their potential risk to the ecosystem. Historical scientific information about P. monodon in the American Atlantic showed that it was transported to Brazil and USA in 1987-1988 for aquaculture purposes, where escapes were reported. Penaeus monodon adults have been detect in coast of Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, USA and Venezuela from 1987 to 2016. Those results suggest the establishment of this specie in the American Atlantic Oceans. The evidence also indicates that P. monodon is an important competitor of space and food compared to local shrimp species, predator of other crustacean’s species and reservoir/transport of different pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Additional studies and monitoring are required to assess and understand the population dynamics of this species in American Atlantic waters, their mechanisms of distribution, potential impact of this exotic species and their growth on the native biota, and their relevance as a natural reservoir of viral pathogens that affect the production of wild shrimp and culture.