A fisherman doesn’t usually expect their catch of the day to set off alarm bells for the biologists in their entire region. For this fisherman in the Pacific Northwest, however, that’s exactly what happened. The Chinese Mitten Crab, an invasive crab species, has been detected for the first time in this region. The presence of this crab has raised concerns about the potential impact on California’s coastal ecosystems and fishing industry.
The Chinese Mitten Crab: An Invasive Crab Species
The Chinese mitten crab, also known as Eriocheir sinensis, is a species of crab native to the coastal rivers of eastern Asia. This doesn’t only mean China, but also Korea, and Japan. Named for its distinctive furry, mitten-like claws, this medium-sized crab has a brownish-green shell and can grow up to around four inches in width. The crab is known for its ability to thrive in both fresh and saltwater environments. Because of this, it is a highly adaptable and invasive species – and with a voracious appetite, to boot. The Chinese mitten crab is omnivorous, meaning that it eats both plant and animal matter. It has the potential to significantly impact any ecosystem it finds itself, as it disrupts native species populations wherever it establishes itself.
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