European Green Crab (Carcinus maenus)
Figure 1. European Green Crab (Carcinus maenus)
Figure 2. European Green Crab (Carcinus maenus)
Figure 3. European Green Crab (Carcinus maenus) with hands
Distinguishing Features:
- Colour of carapace (top shell) is usually mottled, green with yellowish spotting
- Shell up to 10 cm (3.5 inches) wide
- Five distinct spines between the widest part of the shell and the eyes on each side
- Three rounded lobes between the eyes
- Little to no hair on the carapace (shell) and claws, and only very little along the edge of the walking legs
- Both claws are the same size
- Last pair of legs somewhat flattened
Biology:
European green crab compete with native crab species and are a major predator on clams, mussels, juvenile fishes, and other species in the natural environment and in aquaculture settings.
Management:
Report European green crab sightings to the contact phone or email on the back page of this brochure. West coast harvesters should take special care to thoroughly examine and rinse harvested shellfish prior to leaving the harvest area. There is the potential for people to misidentify green crabs with the Helmet crab (Telmessus cheiragonus) or the Kelp crab (Pugettia producta), but neither of these species is commercially important at this time.
Species that Can Be Confused With the European Green Crab:
Figure 4. Helmet crab (Telmessus cheiragonus)
Figure 5. Dungeness crab (Cancer magister)
Figure 6. Red Rock Crab (Cancer productus)
Figure 7. Northern Kelp Crab (Pugettia producta)
Figure 8. Graceful Crab (Cancer gracilis)
