Mitten crab

Mitten Crab

The Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis), also known as the Chinese mitten crab or Shanghai hairy crab, is a species of crustacean native to East Asia. It is named for the furry claws, which resemble mittens.

Description

Mitten crabs are medium-sized crabs, with a carapace width of up to 10 cm. They are notable for their brownish color and the dense patches of dark hair on their claws, which give them their common name. The crabs have four pairs of long legs and a pair of claws.

Distribution and Habitat

The mitten crab is native to the coastal estuaries of China and Korea, but has been introduced to Europe and North America, where it is considered an invasive species. They are found in both fresh and salt water, but they migrate to brackish water to breed.

Life Cycle

Mitten crabs have a complex life cycle that includes both freshwater and marine phases. They spend most of their life in fresh water, but migrate to the sea to breed. The larvae develop in the sea, then return to fresh water as juveniles.

Diet

Mitten crabs are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant and animal material, including algae, invertebrates, and fish.

Economic Importance

In their native range, mitten crabs are a popular seafood item and are often farmed for food. However, in areas where they have been introduced, they can cause significant damage to fishing gear and infrastructure, and compete with native species for resources.

Conservation Status

The mitten crab is not currently considered threatened, but populations in some areas have declined due to overfishing and habitat loss.

See Also

• Crustacean
• Invasive species
• Seafood

References

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