Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2225772
Asian Shore Crab
Hemigrapsus sanguineusAlso known as Japanese Shore Crab, Pacific Shore Crab
Asian shore crabs are highly adaptable intertidal crustaceans with square carapaces and distinctive light-and-dark band patterns along their legs. Males feature fleshy swollen vesicles at the base of their claws, which they display during aggressive territorial disputes under cobble rocks. Highly opportunistic, dense populations rapidly displace native crab species by outcompeting them for food and shelter.
InvasiveIntertidalCrustacean
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Blue mussels
- Barnacles
- Intertidal algae
Predators
- Gulls
- Tautog
- Larger crabs
ThreatsMinimal in introduced range; coastal pollution in native East Asian range
HabitatsRocky intertidal zones, estuarine mudflats, cobble beaches
Life span3 to 5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyVarunidae
- SpeciesHemigrapsus sanguineus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of giving a sharp pinch if handled; observe carefully without picking up.
Responsible observation
- Flipping Rocks: Look under cobble rocks at low tide where dozens may crowd together.
- Identification: Check for striped legs and three prominent teeth on each side of the carapace.
Competitor (c) Sandy Rae, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Prey Unknown / CC-BY · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Dan Hershman, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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