Shore crab | 水產百科網

Shorecrabsarescavengersandeatanything,aliveordead!Theyarefiercepredatorsandhaveferociousclawsthatcangivehumanfingersanastynip.

Shore crab (Carcinus maenas). 

Look out for shore crabs in rock pools and amongst seaweed on the rocky shore along the coast of the North York Moors National Park. 

Shore crabs vary in colour but are often dark green or brown. They also vary in size, but can measure up to 9cm across the top of their shell or carapace. The edge of the carapace has three rounded dents or lobes between the eyes and five points down the side behind the eyes. 

Young shore crabs can have white, red or black markings on the carapace. Female crabs have a wide triangle shaped flap on the underside of their shell and can often be found carrying eggs here. Males have a narrower flap on the underside of their shell.