European Shore Crab

Carcinus maenas

Systematics: Brachyura Family Portunidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The carapace grows to 65 mm wide is dark grey-green in adults, but variable in juveniles. Between the eyes there are three teeth and outside the eyes five teeth, the last at the widest point of the carapace. The ends of the fourth walking legs are slightly flattened with acute tips.

Habitat and Distribution:
In Australia the European shore crab is found on bay and estuarine mudflats, among seagrasses or occasionally in weedy regions of rocky platforms.

General Biology:
The European shore crab was first recorded in Port Phillip Bay in 1900, introduced there accidentally as a hitch-hiker on ships from the UK or Europe. It has since spread throughout coastal Victoria, eastern South Australia and northern Tasmania. The crab is very aggressive, with strong chelipeds. It feeds on native shore crabs and may be a threat to these species.