Skip to main content

Cryptorchestia garbinii -

Current distribution Cryptorchestia garbinii Ruffo, Tarocco & Latella, 2014 (344 GBIF-datapoints)
The original distribution area of the semi-terrestrial amphipod Cryptorchestia garbinii extends over the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. How exactly this species - which occurs in both fresh and brackish water - got to Belgium is unknown. What is certain is that the many (freshwater) channels in our country and neighbouring countries have accelerated their spread. The species was observed for the first time in Belgium on the 26th of March in 1927. It soon became a prevalent species, both in fresh and slightly brackish waters and is found in the study area along the banks of the Yser and Scheldt estuaries.