Mediterranean green crab (Carcinus aestuarii)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Carcinus aestuarii
- Common name
- Mediterranean green crab
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Carcinidae
- Genus
- Carcinus
- Size
- 5–7 cm
- Depth
- 0–10 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand, estuarine, rocky
- Behaviours
- omnivorous
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Carcinus aestuarii, the Mediterranean green crab, reaches 7 cm. Oval greenish to yellowish carapace with dark markings. Very common in estuaries, lagoons and shallow sandy areas. Omnivore and opportunist. Mediterranean cousin of the Atlantic green crab C. maenas, distinguished by a more squarish carapace and more sedentary behavior.
Photo of Mediterranean green crab
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Mediterranean green crab?
- Mediterranean green crab (Carcinus aestuarii) reaches 5–7 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Mediterranean green crab?
- Mediterranean green crab is found between 0–10 m deep.
- Is the Mediterranean green crab dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Mediterranean green crab?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Mediterranean green crab?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Carcinus
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 107380)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5716128)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia