Shorecrab Carcinus maenas

This small crab is commonly found in rock pools, muddy creeks and under stones and seaweeds all over Norfolk coast. It is typically green, but can also be other colours.

Conservation status in Norfolk

Most common seashore crab. Not threatened.

Click to see the Biodiversity Action Plan Species for this species

How to help

Support the campaign for better protection of marine habitats.
When rock pooling or crabbing ensure that these small crabs are returned unharmed to the area where you found them.

Adopt me today and help ensure my future!

Paul Naylor

Information on the Shorecrab

How to recognise

A small crab with a shell up to 90mm (3.5 inches) across. Green is the commonest colour but grey, black or reddish individuals can be found. If the shell has three lobes between the eyes and five points on the edge of the shell to the side of each eye then you can be certain you have found a shore crab.

Where to see

Rock pools at Hunstanton and West Runton and in muddy creeks and under stones and seaweeds all around the Norfolk coast. You may also find washed up shells of this species along the strandline and on beaches.

When to see

Present throughout the year.

Did you know?

Shore crabs can grow a new claw if they lose one.
The hard shell of the crab does not grow. Periodically they shed their old shell exposing the new soft shell which has been growing below the old one.

Finding out more

Arkive

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