Eriocheir sinensis
(Chinese mitten crab)
Crustaceans-Crabs
Exotic |
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Common name: Chinese mitten crab
Taxonomy: available through
www.itis.gov
Identification:
Adult Characteristics:
+ hairy claws with white tips, normally equal in size
+ notch between the eyes
+ four lateral carapace spines (fourth spine is small)
+ smooth, round carapace or body shape
+ maximum carapace width (distance across the back) is approximately 80 mm (3 inches)
+ legs over twice as long as the carapace width
+ light brown color
Juvenile Mitten Crab Characteristics:
+ notch between the eyes
+ claws may not be hairy if carapace width is less than 20 mm (¾ inch)
+ claws are hairy by 25 mm (1 inch) carapace width
+ four lateral carapace spines (fourth spine is small)
+ smooth, round carapace or body shape
+ legs over twice as long as the carapace width
+ light brown color
Size: 3 inch carapace width
Native Range: Pacific coast of China and Korea.
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Alaska |
Hawaii |
Puerto Rico &
Virgin Islands |
Guam Saipan |
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps
Nonindigenous Occurrences:
Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Eriocheir sinensis are found here.
Table last updated 11/22/2024
† Populations may not be currently present.
Means of Introduction: Ballast water on the West Coast and in the Great Lakes. Its presence in Maryland may either be due to releasing crabs purchased as food (only males are sold), or they may be been introduced by ballast water.
Status: They are established on the California coast, but adults are now rare in San Francisco Bay as of 2012. There is no evidence to show they are establised in the Great Lakes. However, with all the recent collections from the mid-Atlantic Region of the east coast of the United States, reproduction may be occurring. Until 2007, all mitten crabs collected were males. Since then several female specimens were collected, each containing eggs and sperm stored in a special organ. This is evidence of mating but not necessarily of an established population.
Impact of Introduction: Summary of species impacts derived from literature review. Click on an icon to find out more...
The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Author:
Benson, A. J., and P. L. Fuller
Revision Date: 6/29/2023
Citation Information:
Benson, A. J., and P. L. Fuller, 2024, Eriocheir sinensis: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=182, Revision Date: 6/29/2023, Access Date: 11/23/2024
This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.
