The original distribution area of the Oriental shrimp Palaemon macrodactylus is in the estuaries along the coasts of Japan, China and Korea. Most likely, the species has come to Europe with the ballast water of ships. In 1988, the Oriental shrimp was observed for the first time in Belgium, in the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal near the Dutch border. Later, the species also appeared to be present in the Sea Scheldt near Doel, the marina of Zeebrugge, the Sluice Dock of Ostend, the estuary of the Yser and some individuals were found on the beaches of Heist. This alien tolerates wide fluctuations in temperature and salinity and generally occurs in sheltered areas. |
