green crab
| Scientific name | Carcinus maenas |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Linnaeus |
| Year of description | 1758 |
| IUCN category (World) | NE |
| Family | Carcinidae |
| Genus | Carcinus |
Introduction
Carcinus maenas, commonly known as green crab, is a salt water crustacea.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size4 cm
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Maximum size6 cm
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Mimicrymud
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Average size4 cm
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Maximum size6 cm
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Mimicrymud
How to recognize the green crab ?
The green crab measures between 4 and 6 cm. this crustacea is unicolore with a predominantly vert and orange body.
The crab always has 5 pairs of legs, the first pair of which is transformed into claws. Unlike other crustaceans, its size corresponds to the diameter of the shell and not to the length of its body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialYes
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VenomousNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
Like all crustaceans, The green crab molts whenever it becomes cramped in its shell. Before the hardening of its new body, it is more vulnerable and spends a good part of its time hidden. This mechanism, very complex, allows the periodic renewal of the exoskeleton and part of the internal skeleton. It is also during the moult that the females become fertile.
The green crab is a crustacea solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is scavenger .
The green crab is a territorial animal that does not tolerate any incursions into its living area. It is particularly virulent against other territorial species and it can provoke heated fights. Relationships between conspecifics are also hectic, with each seeking to secure its place.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare interne
The green crab is a crustacea ovipare interne. Like crayfish, females incubate numerous eggs under their abdomen.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Depth0 - 200 m
Biotope presentation
The green crab is most often found at a depth between 0m and 200m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
This species lives in decaying vegetation (branches, leaves) in low current areas.
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
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