Shore Crab
Description
of the Shore Crab
The Shore Crab is a sea predator and has named as one of the top
100 worlds worst invaders! It is native to Europe but has been
introduced to the US and Australia and is believed to be
responsible for the decline of other crab species. It can range
vastly in color, from green to brown and grey and red.
Profile of
the Shore Crab
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Shore Crab species.
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Size: Up to 6cm
in Length and 9cm Wide
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Diet / Feeding:
Sea Snails, Clams, Young Fish
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Habitat: Up to
15m depth, coastal marine
waters
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Behaviour:
Aggressive, one of the most successful sea predators
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Range: Native to
North Atlantic and Baltic Sea but introduced to Atlantic and
Pacific coasts of North America as well as Australia, South
America and South Africa
Scientific
Classification of the Shore Crab
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Shore Crab?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist! Male Crabs usually have larger
claws whilst female crabs have a wider more rounded abdomen.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Shore Crab have gills?
Gills enable the Shore Crab to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air. Shore Crabs need to remain need to
keep their gills moist so remain close to the water.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why is the Shore Crab called an Arthropod?
An Arthropod is an invertebrate
animal (without a backbone) that has a segmented body with
jointed limbs (appendages). True crabs are Decapod
Crustaceans. Some species such as
Hermit crabs, Porcelain crabs King crabs and Horseshoe crabs are
not true crabs! Decapod Crustaceans have five pairs of
legs, the first three are used for feeding. At the end of the
limbs are the chelae which is the correct term for pincers or
claws.
Interesting Facts and Information about
Shore Crab
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