Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2225772
Asian Shore Crab
Hemigrapsus sanguineusAlso known as Japanese Shore Crab, Pacific Shore Crab
Asian shore crabs are highly adaptable intertidal predators recognizable by their square carapaces with alternating light and dark bands on their legs. Females produce up to 50,000 eggs per clutch multiple times a season, fueling rapid expansion along non-native coastlines. Their aggressive foraging disrupts native ecosystems by outcompeting local crab species and consuming high quantities of young mollusks.
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
- Acorn Barnacles
- Green Algae
Predators
- Gulls
- Striped Bass
- Tautog
ThreatsCoastal pollution, extreme cold winters
HabitatsRocky intertidal zones, estuaries, artificial harbor structures
Life span3–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDecapoda
- FamilyVarunidae
- GenusHemigrapsus
- SpeciesHemigrapsus sanguineus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Pinch defensively with small but sharp claws; observe without picking them up.
- Why it is dangerous
- Pincers can exert surprisingly strong pressure, pinching skin if handled carelessly.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by three distinct square teeth on each side of the carapace and banded legs.
- What to do
- Observe without handling, or pick up gently from behind the carapace sides if necessary.
Responsible observation
- Look under rocks: Turn over intertidal stones at low tide where dense populations shelter.
- Check the claws: Look for distinct red spots on the fleshy bulb at the base of the pincers.
- Practice rock care: Return moved rocks carefully to their original positions to protect native life.
Competitor (c) Sandy Rae, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Similar Native (c) Thomaz de Carvalho Callado, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Dan Hershman, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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