Carcinus maenas, European shore crab
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Carcinus maenas, European shore crab
Specimens of this invasive crab, which has spread well beyond its native range and is threatening ecosystems the world over. Its diet consists of clams, limpets, mussels, barnacles, other crabs and scallops
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Media ID 8595819
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10704162
Arthropod Arthropoda Brachyura Claw Crab Crustacea Crustacean Decapod Decapoda Ecological Environment Introduction Malacostraca Pincer Shell Shore Specimen Carcinus Carcinus Maenas Common Shore Crab Invertebrata Portunidae Shore Crab
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking studio shot captures the intricate details of a Carcinus maenas, also known as the European shore crab, a common crab species that has become an invasive threat to ecosystems around the world. Originally native to the shores of the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea, this crab has spread beyond its native range due to human activities, such as the transport of ballast water in ships and the aquarium trade. The European shore crab is a decapod crustacean, belonging to the infraorder Decapoda and the superfamily Portunidae. It is characterized by its slender, elongated body, with a carapace width of up to 12 cm (4.7 inches). Its coloration varies from greenish to brownish, with a distinctive orange or red marking on the tips of its pincers. This crab is an omnivorous predator, feeding on a wide range of benthic organisms, including clams, limpets, mussels, barnacles, other crabs, and scallops. Its powerful pincers are used to crush the shells of its prey, making it a formidable predator in its native habitats. The spread of the European shore crab has had significant ecological consequences. Invasive populations have been reported in the Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea, among other locations. The crabs can outcompete native crab species, disrupting the balance of benthic communities and altering the structure and function of entire ecosystems. Despite its ecological impact, the European shore crab remains an intriguing and beautiful specimen. Its intricate exoskeleton, with its delicate patterns and textures, is a testament to the marvels of the natural world. This image serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the ecology of non-native species and the potential consequences of their introduction to new environments.
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