About Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891
Females of Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891 (also referenced as Farfantepenaeus aztecus) reach a total length of 236 mm (9.3 in), while males reach 195 mm (7.7 in). This species is found along the US Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Texas, and along Mexico's Atlantic coast from Tamaulipas to Campeche. It inhabits depths ranging from 4 to 160 metres (13 to 525 ft), with the highest densities occurring at 27 to 54 m (89 to 177 ft). It lives on muddy, peat, sandy or clay bottoms, or among broken shells. Juveniles occupy marine or estuarine waters, while adults live exclusively in marine environments. Penaeus aztecus has now been confirmed to occur in the Mediterranean Sea. It was most likely introduced to the region via ship's ballast water, and it appears to be spreading there. Its presence may threaten native stocks of Melicertus kerathurus, and the species is already well established along the southern coast of Sicily in the central Mediterranean Sea.
