Chinese mitten crab
The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is a species of crab native to the coastal estuaries of China and Korea. It is named for its distinctive "mittens," which are dense patches of setae (hair) on its claws. The Chinese mitten crab is an invasive species in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America.
Description[edit | edit source]
The Chinese mitten crab has a smooth, round carapace that can reach up to 10 cm in width. The most distinguishing feature of this species is its claws, which are covered with thick patches of hair, resembling mittens. The color of the carapace is generally a light brown to olive green.
Habitat[edit | edit source]
Chinese mitten crabs are typically found in freshwater and brackish water environments. They are known to migrate from freshwater rivers to the sea to breed. The crabs are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, and estuaries.
Life Cycle[edit | edit source]
The life cycle of the Chinese mitten crab includes several stages: egg, larva, juvenile, and adult. The crabs migrate to the sea to spawn, where the females release their eggs. The larvae develop in the marine environment before migrating back to freshwater to mature.
Invasive Species[edit | edit source]
The Chinese mitten crab is considered an invasive species in many regions outside its native range. It has been introduced to Europe and North America through ballast water discharge from ships. The crabs can cause significant ecological and economic damage, including the disruption of local ecosystems, damage to fishing gear, and the undermining of riverbanks and levees.
Control and Management[edit | edit source]
Efforts to control the spread of the Chinese mitten crab include monitoring and trapping programs, public awareness campaigns, and research into biological control methods. In some areas, regulations have been put in place to prevent the release of ballast water from ships in order to reduce the spread of this invasive species.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
