Shore Crab
Scientific Name: Carcinus maenas
Category: other
Brief Description
A small crustacean commonly found in intertidal zones, resting on a bright orange mesh net at Pagham Harbour.
Characteristics
Carapace is typically wider than it is long, with five distinct teeth along the edge of the shell on each side of the eyes. Coloration can vary from green to brown or orange.
Habitat
Intertidal zones, rocky shores, mudflats, and estuaries, often hiding under rocks or seaweed during low tide.
When to Find It
Found year-round, most active during spring and summer months in shallow coastal waters.
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated
Ecological Role
Acts as both predator and scavenger, helping to control populations of small invertebrates and serving as an important food source for shorebirds and fish.
Easily Confused With
Can be confused with other small intertidal crabs such as the edible crab (Cancer pagurus) juveniles, which have a more rounded, scalloped shell edge.
Observation Tips
Look under rocks and in shallow tidal pools during low tide, or use a handheld net carefully along muddy estuaries like Pagham Harbour.
Interesting Facts
Also known as the European green crab, this species is considered one of the world's most invasive marine organisms due to its adaptability and impact on local shellfish populations in non-native ranges.
User Notes
Pagham Harbour